HIV-1 entry into CD4 + cells is mediated by the chemokine receptor CC-CKR-5

The β-chemokines MIP-1α, MIP-1β and RANTES inhibit infection of CD4 + cells by primary, non-syncytium-inducing (NSI) HIV-1 strains at the virus entry stage, and also block env -mediated cell–cell membrane fusion. CD4 + T cells from some HIV-1-exposed uninfected individuals cannot fuse with NSI HIV-1 strains and secrete high levels of β-chemokines. Expression of the β-chemokine receptor CC-CKR-5 in CD4 + , non-permissive human and non-human cells renders them susceptible to infection by NSI strains, and allows env -mediated membrane fusion. CC-CKR-5 is a second receptor for NSI primary viruses.