HIV is generally sexually acquired across the genital or rectal mucosa after exposure to the
genital secretions of an HIV-infected partner. Most exposures to HIV do not result in
infection, likely due to protection afforded by an intact mucosal epithelium, as well as by
innate and adaptive mucosal immune factors present in the genital tract. Another important
mucosal determinant of transmission may be the number and activation status of potential
HIV target cells, including CCR5/CD4+ T cells and DC-SIGN+ dendritic cells. The …