Human immunodeficiency virus type I provirus is demonstrated in peripheral blood monocytes in vivo: a study utilizing an in situ polymerase chain reaction.
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infects a variety of cell types in vivo. Monocyte/macrophages may be the major reservoir for HIV-1 in the solid tissues of HIV-1-infected individuals. Conflicting data have been reported, though, regarding the presence of HIV-1 provirus in peripheral blood monocytes isolated from HIV-1-seropositive humans. We have evaluated monocytes from the peripheral blood of eleven HIV-1-infected individuals utilizing a new, highly sensitive and specific in situ polymerase chain reaction. We demonstrate HIV-1 provirus in 73% (8/11) of these samples. None of these monocyte samples was demonstrated to contain cells expressing high levels of HIV-1-specific RNA, by standard in situ hybridization. The evaluation of the HIV-1 genome in peripheral blood monocytes of certain infected individuals may assist in the understanding of HIV-1 proviral latency and pathogenesis, in vivo.
Bagasra
O
O
Department of Medicine, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Pomerantz
R J
RJ
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000382:microbiology; D000328:Adult; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000382:microbiology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D009000:Monocytes / Q000382:microbiology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011533:Proviruses / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*