A quantitative bioassay for HIV-1 based on trans-activation.
A bioassay that is based on trans-activation has been developed for the detection and quantitation of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Indicator cell lines were constructed that contain the HIV-1 long terminal repeat ligated to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene. Infection of these cells by HIV activates the expression of CAT protein. Isolates of HIV-1 with divergent nucleotide sequences activated the indicator cell lines to a similar extent, approximately 500- to 1000-fold. Human T cell lymphotropic viruses types 1 and 2, equine infectious anemia virus, and herpes simplex virus 1 did not activate the indicator cell lines. Isolates of simian immunodeficiency virus and human T cell lymphotropic virus type 4 activated these cells to a much lesser extent, which suggests that these viruses contain similar, but distinct, trans-activators. This assay can be used for the detection, quantitation, and typing of HIV and for studying the effect of drugs on the replication of HIV in different cellular backgrounds.
Felber
B K
BK
National Cancer Institute, Frederick Cancer Research Facility, Bionetics Research, Inc., MD 21701.
Pavlakis
G N
GN
D000123:Acetyltransferases / Q000235:genetics; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D002460:Cell Line; D015500:Chloramphenicol O-Acetyltransferase; D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005814:Genes, Viral; D006678:HIV / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D012091:Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000187:drug effects
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D000123:Acetyltransferases; D015500:Chloramphenicol O-Acetyltransferase