Use of Synthetic Peptides and Anti-Idiotypes for Controlling Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infections
Abstract
We have begun a series of experiments to examine the growth characteristics of HIV-1 infected T cells in vitro to assist us in identifying factors that may correspond to highly virulent strains of HIV-1 in vivo. In addition, certain in vitro growth characteristics may also correspond to less virulent forms of HIV-1. For example, studies by others have suggested that HIV- 1 isolates which readily form syncytia in vitro may be associated with a more rapid rate of disease progression in vivo. Using fluorescent intracellular vital stains, we have expanded upon these studies by examining SupT1 cells for changes in cellular makeup following infection with HIV-1. At present we are staining cells with probes for F-actin, microtubules, p24, and DNA. our initial studies have indicated that 48 hrs after infection with HIV-1, syncytia no longer express CD4. Using FITC conjugated Leu 3a, we have observed that single cells stain intensely for CD4, while syncytia appear to be CD4 negative. We also observed that syncytia organize their nuclei into a blastula-like formation. In addition, we have observed the extension of pseudopods from the plasma membrane which extend several cell diameters in distance. We are currently examining what role these pseudopods may play in cell recruitment and HIV-1 transmission.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 27, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA273953
Entities
People
- Ronald C. Kennedy
Organizations
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute