Efficient macrophage infection by phagocytosis of HIV-1-infected CD4+ T cells
Baxter AE., Duncan CJA., Russell RA., Willberg C., Ochsenbauer C., Kappes J., Groot F., Sattentau QJ.
Macrophages are scavengers of the innate immune system that eliminate dead, dying and pathogen-infected cells, but also contribute substantially to HIV-1 pathogenesis. Cell-free HIV-1 infection of macrophages is inefficient and may be a bottleneck for transmitted viruses. Here we describe a novel mechanism of macrophage infection involving macrophage phagocytosis of HIV-1-infected CD4+ T cells. These results have implications for establishment of the macrophage reservoir and HIV-1 dissemination in vivo.