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Human adipose cells express CD4, CXCR4, and CCR5 [corrected] receptors: a new target cell type for the

Uriel Hazan1, Ignacio A Romero, Raffaella Cancello

  • 1CNRS UPR 0415 and, INSERM U380, Institut Cochin de Génétique Moléculaire, 75014 Paris, France.

FASEB Journal : Official Publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
|August 3, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Human fat cells (adipocytes) express receptors enabling HIV entry, suggesting they are a novel target for the virus. This finding expands our understanding of HIV infection beyond immune cells.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Adipocytes are increasingly recognized as having endocrine functions and immune-like characteristics.
  • Previous research has not established adipocytes as a target for HIV infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of CD4, CXCR4, and CCR5 receptors on human adipocytes.
  • To determine if human adipocytes support HIV entry and replication.

Main Methods:

  • Primary human preadipocytes were differentiated in vitro.
  • Receptor expression was analyzed using RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, and immunohistochemistry.
  • HIV-1 infection was assessed by measuring viral p24 antigen, infectious particle release, viral protein expression, and viral DNA presence.

Main Results:

  • Human adipocytes and preadipocytes express CD4, CXCR4, and CCR5 receptors.
  • Adipocytes were successfully infected with HIV-1, showing viral replication and release of infectious virions.
  • Viral DNA and proteins were detected in infected adipocytes, confirming HIV entry and replication.

Conclusions:

  • Adipocytes are the first non-immune cells identified to express all specific HIV receptors (CD4, CXCR4, CCR5).
  • Human adipocytes represent a novel target cell type for HIV-1 infection.
  • These findings suggest a potential role for adipose tissue in HIV pathogenesis and viral reservoirs.

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