Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2025

Imaging of HIV-1 Envelope-induced Virological Synapse and Signaling on Synthetic Lipid Bilayers
Published on: March 8, 2012
Human immunodeficiency virus transmission-Mechanisms underlying the cell-to-cell spread of human immunodeficiency
Marta Calado1, David Pires1,2, Carolina Conceição1
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Host-Pathogen Interactions Unit, Research Institute for Medicines, iMed-ULisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
Abstract:
Despite the success of combined antiretroviral therapy in controlling viral load and reducing the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission, an estimated 1.5 million new infections occurred worldwide in 2021. These new infections are mainly the result of sexual intercourse and thus involve cells present on the genital mucosa, such as dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages (Mø) and CD4+ T lymphocytes. Understanding the mechanisms by which HIV interacts with these cells and how HIV exploits these interactions to establish infection in a new human host is critical to the development of strategies to prevent and control HIV transmission. In this review, we explore how HIV has evolved to manipulate some of the physiological roles of these cells, thereby gaining access to strategic cellular niches that are critical for the spread and pathogenesis of HIV infection. The interaction of HIV with DCs, Mø and CD4+ T lymphocytes, and the role of the intercellular transfer of viral particles through the establishment of the infectious or virological synapses, but also through membrane protrusions such as filopodia and tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs), and cell fusion or cell engulfment processes are presented and discussed.
More Related Videos
13:13Single-cell Quantitation of mRNA and Surface Protein Expression in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-infected CD4+ T Cells Isolated from Rhesus macaques
Published on: September 25, 2018
13:08Visualizing Cell-to-cell Transfer of HIV using Fluorescent Clones of HIV and Live Confocal Microscopy
Published on: October 7, 2010
Related Concept Videos
Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria
Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Viral Recombination
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers