Identification of CX3CR1 mononuclear phagocyte subsets involved in HIV-1 and SIV colorectal transmission.

The difficulty to unambiguously identify the various subsets of mononuclear phagocytes (MNPs) of the intestinal has hindered our understanding of the initial events occurring after mucosal exposure to HIV-1. Here, we compared the composition and function of MNP subsets at steady-state and following and viral exposure in human and macaque colorectal tissues. Combined evaluation of CD11c, CD64, CD103, and CX3CR1 expression allowed to differentiate MNPs subsets common to both species.