Sexual HIV-1 Transmission and Mucosal Defense Mechanisms

Mucosal exposure to HIV-1 constitutes its primary mode of transmission. Greater than 75% of HIV-1 infections worldwide occur through heterosexual intercourse. Through the use of nonhuman primate models, the early events of mucosal HIV-1 transmission are beginning to be elucidated.Further, only recently have acquired and innate mucosal defense systems been studied in terms of HIV-1 transmission. This review will discuss the early events leading to HIV-1 acquisition, those factors that may affect HIV-1 transmission, and the role the mucosal immune system plays in modulating HIV-1 transmission.