Résumé
The HTLV-1 (Human T-cell Leukaemia Virus type 1) is responsible for the adult T-cell leukaemia (ATL) and the tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP/HAM). The HTLV receptor is ubiquitous. We have shown that the HTLV receptor is expressed upon T lymphocytes activation, but not on resting T lymphocytes. We have found that the HTLV Env blocks lactate production. We demonstrated that this is due to the inhibition of the glucose uptake. Accordingly, we have shown that the glucose transporter GLUT1 is the HTLV receptor. These observations allowed us to propose new models of pathogenesis.