Increased α-Defensins 1-3 Production by Dendritic Cells in HIV-Infected Individuals Is Associated with Slower Disease Progression

Abstract

High production of alpha-defensins1-3 by immature DCs appears as a host protective factor against progression of HIV-1 infection, suggesting potential diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive implications. This protective effect may arise from the activity of alpha-defensins1-3 to damage the virions prior and/or after their internalization by immature DC, and hence favoring a more efficient viral processing and presentation to HIV-specific CD4+ T cells, without or with a minor rate of transmission of infectious HIV-1 virions.