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Macrophages are reservoirs of HIV-1 infection, proposed to transmit virus to CD4(+) T cells, the primary target of the virus. Here we report that human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) rapidly spread HIV-1 to autologous CD4(+) T cells resulting in productive infection. Transmission takes place across transient adhesive contacts between T cells and MDMs, which have the features of a virological synapse including copolarization of CD4 on the T cell with HIV-1 Gag and Env on the macrophage. We propose that an infected MDM can infect at least one T cell every 6 hours. Since HIV-1-infected macrophages can survive for many weeks, these results highlight the central role played by macrophages in HIV-1 infection and pathogenesis.

Original publication

DOI

10.1182/blood-2007-12-130070

Type

Journal article

Journal

Blood

Publication Date

01/05/2008

Volume

111

Pages

4660 - 4663

Keywords

CD4 Antigens, Cell Communication, Gene Products, env, Gene Products, gag, HIV Infections, HIV-1, Humans, Kinetics, Macrophages, T-Lymphocytes