Targeting CXCR4 to suppress virus-induced activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells

我们的项目重点是浆细胞样DC (pDC)，由于它们在感知病毒DNA或RNA后能够产生大量I型IFN，因此它们是抵御病毒的第一道防线。它们存在于HIV进入的粘膜部位。有趣的是，天然胺，如精液成分精胺，通过受体CXCR4抑制pDC诱导的HIV诱导的IFNα产生，CXCR4也是HIV感染的共同受体。通过CXCR4抑制pDC的机制及其对HIV传播的影响将被详细研究。

Our project focuses on plasmacytoid DC (pDC), which are the first line of defense against viruses due to their ability to produce massive amounts of type I IFN after sensing virus DNA or RNA. They are present at mucosal sites of HIV entry. Interestingly, natural amines, such as the semen component spermine, suppress the HIV-induced IFNα production by pDC via the receptor CXCR4, which is also a co-receptor for HIV infection. The mechanisms underlying pDC suppression via CXCR4 and the consequences for HIV transmission will be studied in Detail.