DC-SIGN mediates avian H5N1 influenza virus infection in cis and in trans

• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.06.078
• Publication Date: 2008-07-01T08:21:02Z
• Authors: Sheng-Fan Wang; Jason C. Huang; Yuan-Ming Lee; Shih-Jen Liu; Yu-Jiun Chan; Yat-Pang Chau; Pele Chong; Yi- Ming Arthur Chen
• Keywords: DC-SIGN; Antibody-dependent enhancement

DC-SIGN, a C-type lectin receptor expressed in dendritic cells (DCs), has been identified as a receptor for human immunodeficiency virus type 1, hepatitis C virus, Ebola virus, cytomegalovirus, dengue virus, and the SARS coronavirus. We used H5N1 pseudotyped and reverse-genetics (RG) virus particles to study their ability to bind with DC-SIGN. Electronic microscopy and functional assay results indicate that pseudotyped viruses containing both HA and NA proteins express hemagglutination and are capable of infecting cells expressing alpha-2,3-linked sialic acid receptors. Results from a capture assay show that DC-SIGN-expressing cells (including B-THP-1/DC-SIGN and T-THP-1/DC-SIGN) and peripheral blood dendritic cells are capable of transferring H5N1 pseudotyped and RG virus particles to target cells; this action can be blocked by anti-DC-SIGN monoclonal antibodies. In summary, (a) DC-SIGN acts as a capture or attachment molecule for avian H5N1 virus, and (b) DC-SIGN mediates infections in cis and in trans.