Mucosal stromal fibroblasts markedly enhance HIV infection of CD4+ T cells

Author summary The molecular basis by which small amounts of HIV can initiate infection in the mucosa is not well understood. Here, we report that genital and rectal fibroblasts, amongst the most abundant cells of the mucosa, potently increase HIV infection of T cells. Fibroblasts are more abundant and can be more effective as infection enhancers than dendritic cells, which are thought to play a role in early HIV transmission by facilitating infection of T cells. In contrast to fibroblasts, mucosal epithelial cells, which line the mucosa, inhibit HIV infection. Our findings suggest that abrasions in the genital and rectal epithelium may increase HIV transmission in part by allowing external HIV to escape an antiviral environment to access the infection-favorable environment of the stromal fibroblasts. These studies suggest that approaches to limit fibroblast-mediated enhancement may diminish HIV transmission rates.See it on Scoop.it, via Viruses and Bioinformatics from Virology.uvic.ca
Mucosal stromal fibroblasts markedly enhance HIV infection of CD4+ T cells
Source: Viral Bioinformatics