Open AccessHIV-1 chemokine co-receptor CCR5 is expressed on the surface of human spermatozoa
Author(s) -
Barbara Muciaccia,
Fabrizio Padula,
L. Gandini,
Andrea Lenzi,
Mario Stefanini
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
aids
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.195
H-Index - 216
eISSN - 1473-5571
pISSN - 0269-9370
DOI - 10.1097/01.aids.0000180809.04427.04
Subject(s) - chemokine , sperm , chemokine receptor , biology , semen , virology , chemokine receptor ccr5 , c c chemokine receptor type 6 , receptor , sexual transmission , sperm cell , co receptor , immunology , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , microbiology and biotechnology , inflammation , genetics , microbicide
Viruses adhering to the sperm surface are described in the semen of HIV-1-infected individuals, although viral adhesion mechanisms have yet to be fully understood. We demonstrate, by cytometric analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy, the presence of beta-chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) on the periacrosomal region of ejaculated spermatozoa. CCR5 expressed on the sperm cell surface may allow sperm to act as virion cellular carriers during the sexual transmission of HIV-1 infection.