Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 strains of subtypes B and E replicate in cutaneous dendritic cell-T-cell mixtures without displaying subtype-specific tropism

J Virol. 1997 Oct;71(10):8001-7. doi: 10.1128/JVI.71.10.8001-8007.1997.

Abstract

A report that genetic subtype E human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) strains display a preferential tropism for Langerhans cells (epidermal dendritic cells [DCs]) compared to genetic subtype B strains suggested a possible explanation for the rapid heterosexual spread of subtype E strains in Thailand (L. E. Soto-Ramirez et al., Science 271:1291-1293, 1996). In an independent system, we applied subtype E and B isolates to skin leukocytes, since skin is a relevant model for the histologically comparable surfaces of the vagina and ectocervix. Isolates of both HIV-1 subtypes infected DC-T-cell mixtures, and no subtype-specific pattern of infection was observed. Purified DCs did not support the replication of strains of either subtype B or E. Our findings do not support the conclusion that subtype E strains have a preferential tropism for DCs, suggesting that other explanations for the rapid heterosexual spread of subtype E strains in Asia should be considered.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / transmission
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Female
  • HIV Core Protein p24 / analysis
  • HIV-1 / classification
  • HIV-1 / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Langerhans Cells / virology*
  • Leukocytes / virology
  • Male
  • Organ Culture Techniques
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Skin / cytology
  • Skin / immunology
  • Skin / virology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / virology*
  • Thailand
  • Virus Replication*

Substances

  • HIV Core Protein p24