The role of semen in sexual transmission of HIV: beyond a carrier for virus particles.

Authors :: Sabatté J
Remes Lenicov F
Cabrini M
Rodriguez Rodrigues C
Ostrowski M
Ceballos A
Amigorena S
Geffner J
Source :: Microbes and infection [Microbes Infect] 2011 Nov; Vol. 13 (12-13), pp. 977-82. Date of Electronic Publication: 2011 Jul 01.
Publication Year :: 2011
Abstract: Unprotected sexual intercourse between discordant couples is by far the most frequent mode of HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus type 1) transmission being semen the main vector for HIV-1 dissemination worldwide. Semen is usually considered merely as a vehicle for HIV-1 transmission. In this review we discuss recent observations suggesting that beyond being a carrier for virus particles semen markedly influences the early events involved in sexual transmission of HIV through the mucosal barriers.<br /> (Copyright © 2011 Institut Pasteur. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Subjects :: Female
HIV Infections virology
Humans
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Male
Vagina chemistry
Virion
Virus Attachment
Dendritic Cells virology
HIV Infections transmission
HIV-1 physiology
Semen physiology
Semen virology
Spermatozoa virology

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