The role of the oral environment in HIV-1 transmission

DC Shugars, SM Wahl - The Journal of the American Dental Association, 1998 - Elsevier
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1, or HIV-1, is infrequently transmitted through the
mouth, unlike other mucosal sites. Factors such as low salivary viral titers, low numbers of
CD4-positive target cells, anti-HIV antibodies and endogenous salivary antiviral factors work
in concert to protect oral tissues from infection and reduce the risk of viral transmission
through salivary secretions. This review summarizes the various factors thought to influence
oral transmission of HIV-1, focusing on the mucosal protein secretory leuko-cyte protease …