OBJECTIVETo review the recent developments in and research into binding receptors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and especially the role of dendritic cell-specific adhesion receptor (DC-SIGN) in HCV.

DATA SOURCESBoth Chinese- and English-language literature was searched using MEDLINE (2000 - 2003) and the databank of Chinese-language literature (2000 - 2003).

STUDY SELECTIONRelevant articles on DC-SIGN and HCV binding receptors in recent domestic and foreign literature were selected.

DATA EXTRACTIONData were mainly extracted from 40 articles which are listed in the references section of this review.

RESULTSDC-SIGN, a dendritic cell-specific adhesion receptor and a type II transmembrane mannose-binding C-type lectin, is very important in the function of dendritic cells (DC), both in mediating naïve T cell interactions through ICAM-3 and as a rolling receptor that mediates the DC-specific ICAM-2-dependent migration processes. It can be used by HCV and other viral and bacterial pathogens including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Ebola virus, CMV and Mycobacterium tuberculosis to facilitate infection. Both DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR can act either in cis, by concentrating virus on target cells, or in trans, by transmission of bound virus to a target cell expressing appropriate entry receptors. Recent report showed that DC-SIGN not only plays a role in entry into DC, HCV E2 interaction with DC-SIGN might also be detrimental to the interaction of DC with T cells during antigen presentation.

CONCLUSIONSDC-SIGNs are high-affinity binding receptors for HCV. The clinical strategies that target DC-SIGN may be successful in restricting HCV dissemination and pathogenesis as well as directing the migration of DCs to manipulate appropriate immune responses in autoimmunity and tumorigenic situations.