This study looks at the role of semen in promoting HIV-1 transmission during vaginal intercourse beyond its role as a passive carrier of virus. Semen of all healthy men contains high concentrations of interleukin-7 (IL-7), and concentrations are increased further in HIV-1-infected individuals. The authors used an ex vivo model of HIV-1 infection of human cervico-vaginal and lymphoid (tonsillar) tissue to show that short periods of exposure to concentrations of IL-7 comparable to those found in the semen of HIV+ men enhance subsequent HIV-1 replication by preventing the apoptosis and promoting the proliferation of CD4+ T cells. This increases the size and lifespan of the founder pool of infected cells. The authors suggest that the concentration of IL-7 in semen could be a determinant of the efficacy of HIV-1 transmission to a female partner.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Introini, A. et al. Interleukin-7 facilitates HIV-1 transmission to cervico-vaginal tissue ex vivo. PLoS Pathog. 9, e1003148 (2013)
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Minton, K. IL-7 in semen enhances HIV transmission. Nat Rev Immunol 13, 156 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/nri3417
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nri3417