[Morphological analysis of a cell system, infected with different strains of the human immunodeficiency virus]

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Cell Biology
• Microscopy

Context:

• Electron microscopy was used to examine cell systems infected with 63 strains of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1 and HIV-2).
• Previous research has established HIV as the causative agent of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Purpose:

• To investigate the ultrastructural morphology and localization of HIV-1 and HIV-2 within infected cell systems.
• To compare the morphology of HIV strains isolated in Russia with foreign strains and other lentiviruses.

Summary:

• HIV virions were predominantly observed near or budding from the cell membrane.
• Within the cytoplasm, HIV was found exclusively in vacuole-like structures.
• Mature virions accumulated in the intercellular spaces, with distinct morphological differences from oncoviral C particles, but similarities to Visna/Medi Lentiviruses.

Impact:

• Provides detailed ultrastructural insights into HIV replication and assembly.
• Confirms the morphological similarity between Russian and foreign HIV strains, supporting global strain homogeneity.
• Contributes to understanding lentivirus morphology and classification.