Interaction of human immunodeficiency virus with human sperm in vitro.
Transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in semen by sexual intercourse is believed to be a major etiological factor in the spread of the disease. In order to explore the role of sperm in this transmission, cell-free HIV-1(IIIB) was coincubated with human sperm for 5 h. After incubation, unattached HIV-1 was extensively washed off the cells and the presence and location of HIV-1 in or on the sperm was determined by electron microscopic (EM) and immunofluorescence methods. Examination of sperm at the EM level showed that HIV-1 attaches to the sperm surface and enters the sperm through the intact cell membrane. Immunofluorescence studies, using polyvalent anti-HIV antibodies, demonstrated the presence of small round fluorescent particles in 5-10% of sperm heads after 5 h of incubation. A search for HIV-1 receptors (CD4 epitopes) revealed the presence of OKT4 epitopes, including OKT4A, B, D, and F on 5-10% of sperm by epifluorescence microscopy and on 10-20% of sperm by flow-cytometric analysis. These in vitro data suggest that human sperm may be the primary cellular element in the transmission of HIV by semen.
Bagasra
O
O
Department of Microbiology, UMDNJ-SOM, Camden 08103.
Freund
M
M
Weidmann
J
J
Harley
G
G
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000635:transmission*; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / Q000032:analysis; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D015728:Receptors, HIV; D011991:Receptors, Virus / Q000032:analysis; D012661:Semen / Q000382:microbiology; D013077:Sperm Head / Q000382:microbiology; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D015728:Receptors, HIV; D011991:Receptors, Virus