Dendritic cell-mediated trans-enhancement of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infectivity is independent of DC-SIGN

Dendritic cells (DCs) enhance human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection of CD4(+) T lymphocytes in trans. The C-type lectin DC-SIGN, expressed on DCs, binds to the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 and confers upon some cell lines the capacity to enhance trans-infection. Using a short hairpin RNA approach, we demonstrate that DC-SIGN is not required for efficient trans-enhancement by DCs. In addition, the DC-SIGN ligand mannan and an anti-DC-SIGN antibody did not inhibit DC-mediated enhancement. HIV-1 particles were internalized and were protected from protease treatment following binding to DCs, but not from binding to DC-SIGN-expressing Raji cells. Thus, DC-SIGN is not required for DC-mediated trans-enhancement of HIV infectivity.