Already at the endothelial barrier of the host, HIV triggers responses of the innate immune
system. A prominent component of the innate immunity is the complement system, which is immediately
activated upon viral entry. Although the complement contributes to the control of viral replication by
various strategies, HIV has evolved mechanisms to escape from complement-meditated neutralization and
turns this part of the immune system to its advantage. Here we discuss the complex interactions of
complement and complement receptors with HIV and review the escape mechanisms, which protect HIV
from complement-mediated destruction.
