Unidirectional budding of HIV-1 at the site of cell-to-cell contact is associated with co-polarization of intercellular adhesion molecules and HIV-1 viral matrix protein

Abstract

HIV-1 is released at cell-to-cell membrane contact sites. Both ICAM-1 and virus matrix protein co-polarized on isolated cells and syncytia at the sites involved in the recruitment of uninfected cells. The impressive concentration of ICAM at cell sites where most virions are released may account for the acquisition of these membrane proteins by the HIV-1 progeny, and may be important for the cell-mediated spread.