Syndecan 4 Upregulation on Activated Langerhans Cells Counteracts Langerin Restriction to Facilitate Hepatitis C Virus Transmission.

ABSTRACT: Sexually transmitted Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and high reinfections are a major concern amongst men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV-1 and HIV-negative MSM. Immune activation and/or HIV-1 coinfection enhance HCV susceptibility via sexual contact, suggesting that changes in immune cells or external factors are involved in increased susceptibility. Activation of anal mucosal Langerhans cells (LCs) has been implicated in increased HCV susceptibility as activated but not immature LCs efficiently retain and transmit HCV to other cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of transmission remains unclear. Here we identified the Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan Syndecan 4 as the molecular switch, controlling HCV transmission by LCs. Syndecan 4 was highly upregulated upon a

SUBMITTER: Nijmeijer BM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7118926 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature