In vitro HIV1 infection of human cervical tissue

Heterosexual intercourse is the major mode of transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) worldwide. Heterosexual transmission of HIV is particularly important in Africa and is increasing in the developed world. The mechanism of HIV infection of the female genital tract with HIV and subsequent events leading to clinical infection are not fully understood. In particular, the primary cellular targets of HIV infection in the female genital tract have not been determined. We have established an in vitro model for studying HIV infection of the human adult cervix by HIV. Human cervical mucosal explants were briefly exposed to HIV strains of different tropism and maintained in organ culture for 7 days. HIV infection detected by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization was only observed in cervical explants exposed to macrophage tropic strain HIV1Ba-L. HIV-infected cells were located in submucosa and had the morphology and distribution of macrophages. While CD4+/CD3+ T cells were still present at day 7 in the organ culture tissue, no infection of cervical explants was seen with T cell tropic strains even in the presence of phytohaemagglutinin and IL2. This model system will enable study of the dynamics of HIV infection of the human cervix and analysis of possible prophylactic or therapeutic strategies.