Molecular Mechanisms of HTLV-1 Cell-to-Cell Transmission

Groß C, Thoma-Kreß A (2016)


Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2016

Journal

Book Volume: 8

Pages Range: 74

Journal Issue: 3

DOI: 10.3390/v8030074

Abstract

The tumorvirus human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), a member of the delta-retrovirus family, is transmitted via cell-containing body fluids such as blood products, semen, and breast milk. In vivo, HTLV-1 preferentially infects CD4? T-cells, and to a lesser extent, CD8? T-cells, dendritic cells, and monocytes. Efficient infection of CD4? T-cells requires cell-cell contacts while cell-free virus transmission is inefficient. Two types of cell-cell contacts have been described to be critical for HTLV-1 transmission, tight junctions and cellular conduits. Further, two non-exclusive mechanisms of virus transmission at cell-cell contacts have been proposed: (1) polarized budding of HTLV-1 into synaptic clefts; and (2) cell surface transfer of viral biofilms at virological synapses. In contrast to CD4? T-cells, dendritic cells can be infected cell-free and, to a greater extent, via viral biofilms in vitro. Cell-to-cell transmission of HTLV-1 requires a coordinated action of steps in the virus infectious cycle with events in the cell-cell adhesion process; therefore, virus propagation from cell-to-cell depends on specific interactions between cellular and viral proteins. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms of HTLV-1 transmission with a focus on the HTLV-1-encoded proteins Tax and p8, their impact on host cell factors mediating cell-cell contacts, cytoskeletal remodeling, and thus, virus propagation.

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How to cite

APA:

Groß, C., & Thoma-Kreß, A. (2016). Molecular Mechanisms of HTLV-1 Cell-to-Cell Transmission. Viruses, 8(3), 74. https://doi.org/10.3390/v8030074

MLA:

Groß, Christine, and Andrea Thoma-Kreß. "Molecular Mechanisms of HTLV-1 Cell-to-Cell Transmission." Viruses 8.3 (2016): 74.

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