Detection of very early antibody to native HIV antigens by HIV neutralization and live-cell immunofluorescence assays.

Very early detection of HIV infection could help decrease the spread of HIV, improve safety of the blood supply, and permit earlier treatment. Early detection was reported when native gp41 antigen was used to detect antibodies that occurred 2-6 weeks earlier than detection of antibodies to denatured antigens by the current EIA or WB tests or detection by the HIV RNA test. We hypothesized that early antibodies to native gp41/160 could be detected, not only by the reported live-cell immunofluorescence (IFA) but also by a neutralization test, since virions as well as HIV-infected cells contain native gp41/160.

Activity and regulation of alpha interferon in respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus experimental infections.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) cause a similar spectrum of respiratory infections in humans. Classified within the Paramyxoviridae family, Pneumovirinae subfamily, RSV and hMPV present a significant degree of divergence in genome constellation, organization, and protein sequences. RSV has been reported to be a poor inducer of alpha/beta interferons (IFN-alpha/beta) and partially resistant to its antiviral activity.