SARS-CoV does not productively infect human macrophages or Dentritic cells, it appears to exert differential effects on Mphi and DC maturation and functions, which might contribute to SARS pathogenesis.It modulates a massive release of IL-6 and IL-12. However, the endocytic capacity (e.g., Ag capture) of Mphi was significantly compromised upon exposure to infectious SARS-CoV. This evidence concerns the gene RENBP and severe acute respiratory syndrome.