Vaginal transmission of cell-associated HIV-1 in the mouse is blocked by a topical, membrane-modifying agent

摘要: Because both HIV-1 virions and HIV-infected cells are present in the semen cervical mucus of infected individuals, prevention strategies must consider cell-free cell-associated virus. Antibodies that target have been shown to prevent vaginal transmission virus macaques, but since has not reliably demonstrated this model system, no such tested. We employed a mouse which SCID mice carry human peripheral blood leukocytes (HuPBLs). In these mice, cell-associated, cell-free, occurs, mediated by transepithelial migration cells. Topical application β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), cholesterol-sequestering agent interferes with cell budding from lipid rafts, blocks HIV-1. The HuPBL-SCID should prove useful for investigating transmucosal transmission, as well screening reagents their potential efficacy preventing sexual transmission.