Parameters of human immunodeficiency virus infection of human cervical tissue and inhibition by vaginal virucides.

ABSTRACT: Heterosexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the most frequent mode of infection worldwide. However, the immediate events between exposure to infectious virus and establishment of infection are still poorly understood. This study investigates parameters of HIV infection of human female genital tissue in vitro using an explant culture model. In particular, we investigated the role of the epithelium and virucidal agents in protection against HIV infection. We have demonstrated that the major target cells of infection reside below the genital epithelium, and thus HIV must cross this barrier to establish infection. Immune activation enhanced HIV infection of such subepithelial cells. Furthermore, our data suggest that genital epithelial cells were not susceptible to HIV i

SUBMITTER: Greenhead P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC112045 | biostudies-literature | 2000 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature