Placental expression of DC‐SIGN may mediate intrauterine vertical transmission of HIV

• DOI: 10.1002/path.1026
• Publication Date: 2002-08-25T16:15:26Z
• Authors: Elizabeth J. Soil...; Lesley S. Morris; Benhur Lee; Stefan Pöhlmann; John Trowsdale; Robert W. Doms; Nicholas Coleman
• Keywords: DC-SIGN; CD86; Trophoblast

Abstract Mechanisms of transplacental transmission human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are poorly understood. DC‐SIGN is a C‐type lectin able to bind HIV gp120 with high affinity, mediating adsorption the surface dendritic cells for up several days. Via this mechanism, significantly enhances infection CD4 + co‐receptor (CCR5 or CXCR4) T lymphocytes in trans . In study, DC‐SIGN‐specific serum was developed investigate cell type responsible level RNA expression previously observed placenta. shown on CD68 HLA‐II CD14 low S100 +/− CD83 − CD86 cmrf‐44 villous consistent Hofbauer and also decidual macrophages. The co‐express chemokine receptors, CCR5 CXCR4, observations which may account ability these become infected HIV. These fetal separated by only layer trophoblast from both maternal blood, potential sources mothers. Previous studies have suggested that frequently breached during pregnancy. It therefore proposed facilitate Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.