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.
National Cancer Institute, Frederick Cancer Research Facility, Bionetics Research, Inc., MD 21701.
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Felber
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Pavlakis
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