Dendritic cells (DC) are essential antigen-presenting elements that regulate both the innate and acquired immune response in HIV-1 infection. This process requires HIV-1 binding to the DC surface. Initial studies suggested that DC-SIGN (dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing non-integrin) on immature dendritic cells (iDC) could interact with the HIV-1 gp120 envelope protein and this complex be internalized into iDC. During this process, the virus should remain intact, with iDC behaving as a “Trojan horse” for the spread of HIV-1 infection.