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Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture
Published on: October 12, 2018
Origins of HIV-infected leukocytes and virions in semen
Laurent Houzet1, Giulia Matusali1, Nathalie Dejucq-Rainsford1
1Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1085-Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail, Université de Rennes 1, Structure Fédérative Recherche Biosit, Rennes, France.
Abstract:
Although semen is the principal vector of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) dissemination worldwide, the origin of the infected leukocytes and free viral particles in this body fluid remain elusive. Here we review the accumulated evidence of the genital origin of HIV in semen from therapy naive individuals and men receiving suppressive highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), summarize the data on the detection and localization of HIV/SIV within the male genital tract, discuss the potential involvement of each genital tissue as a source of infected cells and virions in semen in the absence and presence of HAART, and suggest further studies. Deciphering the exact sources of HIV in semen will be crucial to improving HIV transmission prevention strategies.
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