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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Generation of Human Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells from Whole Blood
Published on: December 24, 2016
Dendritic cells transmit HIV-1 through human small intestinal mucosa
Ruizhong Shen1, Lesley E Smythies, Ronald H Clements
1Departmentsof Medicine (Gastroenterology), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-2182, USA.
Dendritic cells (DCs) in the small intestine transport HIV-1 through the mucosa. These intestinal DCs facilitate the transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) to lymphocytes, contributing to mother-to-child transmission.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 is a critical concern.
- The role of the intestinal mucosa in early HIV-1 transmission requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of dendritic cells (DCs) in HIV-1 entry and transport within the human small intestinal mucosa.
- To determine if intestinal DCs contribute to HIV-1 transmission to lymphocytes.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of human mononuclear cells (MNLs) from jejunal lamina propria.
- Phenotypic characterization of identified MNLs using markers such as CD11c, HLA-DR, DC-SIGN, CD83, CD86, CD206, and CCR7.
- Assessment of HIV-1 uptake by jejunal DCs in suspension and on explanted jejunum.
- Tracking of HIV-1 transport by DCs through the intestinal mucosa.
Main Results:
- A subpopulation of jejunal MNLs exhibited characteristics of dendritic cells (DCs), expressing DC-SIGN, CD83, CD86, CD206, and CCR7.
- These intestinal DCs expressed HIV-1 receptors (CD4) and coreceptors (CCR5, CXCR4) and rapidly took up cell-free HIV-1.
- HIV-1 applied to the apical surface of explanted jejunum was transported by lamina propria DCs through the mucosa and transmitted to lymphocytes.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal DCs play a significant role in transporting HIV-1 across the intestinal mucosa.
- These DCs contribute to the subsequent transmission of HIV-1 to both blood and intestinal lymphocytes.
- Beyond intestinal epithelial cells, intestinal DCs are crucial players in early HIV-1 dissemination and potential mother-to-child transmission.
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