Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) have been shown to block a diverse array of cell-free human immunodeficiency type 1 (HIV-1) infections, it remains unclear whether these antibodies exhibit similar potency against mature dendritic cell (mDC)-mediated HIV-1 trans-infection. METHODS: Sensitivity to bNAbs targeting HIV-1 envelope surface unit gp120 (VRCO1, PG16, b12, and 2G12) and transmembrane domain gp41 (4E10 and 2F5) was examined for both cell-free and mDC-mediated infections of TZM-bl and CD4(+) T cells. RESULTS: Compared with cell-free infection, mDC-mediated infection was significantly less susceptible to gp120-directed bNAbs for the majority of virus isolates. A b12 antigen-binding fragment blocked both cell-free and mDC-mediated infection with equal efficiency. In contrast, cell-free and mDC-associated viruses were equally sensitive to gp41-directed bNAbs. Anti-gp41 bNAbs bound to the surface of mDCs and localized at the mDC-T cell synaptic junctions in the absence of virus. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-gp41 bNAbs have the potential to inhibit mDC-mediated HIV-1 infection because they bind plasma membranes prior to the formation of an infectious synapse, positioning them to neutralize subsequent virus transfer. As opposed to gp120-directed antibodies, anti-gp41 bNAbs might prevent HIV-1 infection if transmission or spread at the initial site of invasion occurs from a DC-associated source.