We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Membrane nanotubes physically connect T cells over long distances presenting a novel route for HIV-1 transmission.
- Authors
Sowinski, Stefanie; Jolly, Clare; Berninghausen, Otto; Purbhoo, Marco A; Chauveau, Anne; Köhler, Karsten; Oddos, Stephane; Eissmann, Philipp; Brodsky, Frances M; Hopkins, Colin; Onfelt, Björn; Sattentau, Quentin; Davis, Daniel M
- Abstract
Transmission of HIV-1 via intercellular connections has been estimated as 100-1000 times more efficient than a cell-free process, perhaps in part explaining persistent viral spread in the presence of neutralizing antibodies. Such effective intercellular transfer of HIV-1 could occur through virological synapses or target-cell filopodia connected to infected cells. Here we report that membrane nanotubes, formed when T cells make contact and subsequently part, provide a new route for HIV-1 transmission. Membrane nanotubes are known to connect various cell types, including neuronal and immune cells, and allow calcium-mediated signals to spread between connected myeloid cells. However, T-cell nanotubes are distinct from open-ended membranous tethers between other cell types, as a dynamic junction persists within T-cell nanotubes or at their contact with cell bodies. We also report that an extracellular matrix scaffold allows T-cell nanotubes to adopt variably shaped contours. HIV-1 transfers to uninfected T cells through nanotubes in a receptor-dependent manner. These data lead us to propose that HIV-1 can spread using nanotubular connections formed by short-term intercellular unions in which T cells specialize.
- Publication
Nature cell biology, 2008, Vol 10, Issue 2, p211
- ISSN
1476-4679
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1038/ncb1682