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Br J Ophthalmol 2005;89:753-757 doi:10.1136/bjo.2004.057828
  • Laboratory science - Extended reports

Human retinal microglia express candidate receptors for HIV-1 infection

  1. V T Pham1,
  2. L Wen1,
  3. P McCluskey2,
  4. M C Madigan1,
  5. P L Penfold1
  1. 1Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Australia
  2. 2Ophthalmology Department, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
  1. Correspondence to: Dr Michele C Madigan Save Sight Institute, GPO Box 4337, Sydney NSW 2001 Australia; micheleeye.usyd.edu.au
  • Accepted 9 October 2004

Abstract

Background/aims: Microglia are the primary antigen presenting cells in the central nervous system and the retina, and can harbour viral antigens that may damage neural tissue via the release of neurotoxins. All cells bearing CD4 molecules and co-receptors (members of the chemokine receptor and Fcγ receptor families) are potential targets for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In this study, retinal microglia (in vitro and in situ) were investigated for the expression of candidate HIV-1 binding receptors.

Methods: Cultured human retinal microglia and frozen sections of human retinas were used. Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate expression of cell surface receptors necessary for HIV-1 infection: CD4, CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), and Fcγ receptors.

Results: Human retinal microglia expressed detectable levels of CD4, CD16, CD64, and CCR5 in vitro and Fcγ receptor I (CD64) in situ.

Conclusions: Human retinal microglia express several candidate receptors required for viral binding and as such may be a potential reservoir for HIV-1 infection.

Footnotes

  • Competing interests: None of the authors have any financial or commercial conflict of interest.

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