Although trans-infection was initially attributed to the capacity of C-type lectin receptors such as DC-SIGN to specifically bind to the viral envelope glycoprotein of HIV-1 (11), viral capture in the female genital mucosa is independent of this particular receptor, as the majority of cervical DCs capturing HIV-1 do not express DC-SIGN (18) and neutralizing antibodies against DC-SIGN cannot block viral transmission (5). The gene discussed is CD209; the disease is infection.