HCV and HIV binding lectin, DC-SIGNR, is expressed at all stages of HCV induced liver disease
- Correspondence to: Dr E J Soilleux Medical Research Council Cancer Centre Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 2XY, UK; ejs17cam.ac.uk
- Accepted 20 July 2003
Abstract
The process by which hepatitis C virus (HCV) enters cells and the reason for its hepatotropism remain obscure. Recently, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) binding lectins, DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR, were shown to bind HCV. This article reports the expression of DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR in HCV related liver disease and discusses whether these lectins, in particular DC-SIGNR, are responsible for HCV hepatotropism.
- DC, dendritic cell
- DC-SIGN, dendritic cell specific intercellular adhesion molecule grabbing non-integrin
- DC-SIGNR, dendritic cell specific intercellular adhesion molecule grabbing non-integrin related molecule
- HCV, hepatitis C virus
- HIV, human immunodeficiency virus
