Productive HIV infection in astrocytes can be established via a nonclassical mechanism.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Astrocytes are proposed to be a critical reservoir of HIV in the brain. However, HIV infection of astrocytes is inefficient in vitro except for cell-to-cell transmission from HIV-infected cells. Here, we explore mechanisms by which cell-free HIV bypasses entry and postentry barriers leading to a productive infection.

Methods

HIV infection of astrocytes was investigated by a variety of techniques including transfection of CD4-expressing plasmid, treatment with lysosomotropic agents or using a transwell culture system loaded with HIV-infected lymphocytes. Infection was monitored by HIV-1 p24 in culture supernatants and integrated proviral DNA was quantified by Alu-PCR.

Results

Persistent HIV infection could be established in astrocytes by transfection of provi

SUBMITTER: Li GH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7429268 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature