HIV Synpase

When an infected CD4+ T cell expressing HIV-1 Env and binds to a CD4+/CXCR4+ primary T cell,  a virological "synapse" at the cellular interface (contact site) is formed. CD4 and CXCR4 are recruited to the interface  in an actin-dependent manner. In addition, there is polarization of lipid rafts and adhesion molecules to the contact site. This site of intimate contact between an infected cell and an uninfected cell leads to rapid infection of the uninfected cell. Similarly, a synapse can be formed between dendritic cells and infected T4 cells via interactions between DC-SIGN and HIV gp120.