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HIV-1 interactions with cells: from viral binding to cell-cell transmission

Alicia M Janas1, Li Wu

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

Current Protocols in Cell Biology
|June 6, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This study details methods for quantifying human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) interactions with host cells. These protocols enable precise measurement of HIV-1 binding, entry, infection, and cell-to-cell spread.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Understanding human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) interactions with host cells is fundamental for advancing HIV-1 cell biology research.
  • Quantitative assays are essential for accurately measuring viral dynamics and host-pathogen interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe a comprehensive set of methods and protocols for quantitative assessment of HIV-1.
  • To provide tools for studying HIV-1 binding, internalization, infection, and cell-cell transmission.

Main Methods:

  • Generation of infectious single-cycle or replication-competent HIV-1 stocks.
  • Development of an HIV-1 binding and internalization assay.
  • Establishment of protocols for HIV-1 infection of target cells and quantification of viral load.
  • Implementation of HIV-1 cell-cell transmission assays.

Main Results:

  • Validated protocols for generating high-quality HIV-1 stocks.
  • Demonstrated efficacy of assays for measuring HIV-1 binding and internalization.
  • Established methods for quantifying HIV-1 infection levels in target cells.
  • Successful application of cell-cell transmission assays for studying viral spread.

Conclusions:

  • The described functional assays offer valuable tools for quantitative analysis of HIV-1 infection.
  • These protocols facilitate a deeper understanding of viral transmission mechanisms.
  • The methods support robust investigation into HIV-1 pathogenesis and host cell interactions.

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