Human mast cells and basophils in HIV-1 infection.

Mast cells and basophils (FcvarepsilonRI(+) cells) are classically involved in allergic disorders. HIV-1 glycoprotein gp120 acts as a viral superantigen by interacting with the heavy chain, variable 3 (V(H)3) region of IgE to induce cytokine release from FcvarepsilonRI(+) cells. The chemokine receptors CCR3 and CXCR4, co-receptors for HIV-1, are expressed by FcvarepsilonRI(+) cells. Via its interaction with CCR3, HIV-1 transactivation (Tat) protein is a potent chemoattractant for FcvarepsilonRI(+) cells. Incubation of basophils with Tat protein upregulates the surface expression of the CCR3 receptor. There is some evidence that human FcvarepsilonRI(+) cells could be infected in vitro by M-tropic HIV-1 strains.