The Complement System and HIV-1 Infection

Already at the endothelial barrier of the host, HIV triggers responses of the innate immune system. A prominent component of the innate immunity is the complement system, which is immediately activated upon viral entry. Although the complement contributes to the control of viral replication by various strategies, HIV has evolved mechanisms to escape from complement-meditated neutralization and turns this part of the immune system to its advantage. Here we discuss the complex interactions of complement and complement receptors with HIV and review the escape mechanisms, which protect HIV from complement-mediated destruction.