Supernatants of HIV-infected immune cells affect the barrier function of human HT-29/B6 intestinal epithelial cells.

Objectives: Characterization of the diarrhoea-inducing effect of altered cytokine production in HIV infection.

Methods: Monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) were infected with macrophagetropic (SF162) and lymphocytotropic (IIIB) HIV-1 strains and cocultured with autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). After 24 h the supernatants were collected and tested for their immunoreactive levels of cytokines by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Inactivation of viruses by beta-propiolactone in human cryo poor plasma and IgG concentrates.

Virus inactivation by cold treatment with beta-propiolactone (BPL) was investigated in human cryo poor plasma and purified IgG concentrates spiked with relevant human viruses or appropriate animal model viruses. The samples were treated with 0.1 or 0.

Epithelial uptake and transport of cell-free human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and gp120-coated microparticles.

Cell-free human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) can be taken up and released by a monolayer of primary human gingival cells and remain infectious for CD4+ cells. Virus-sized latex particles covalently coated with purified native HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 are also transported through the primary epithelial cells. This process is significantly stimulated by increasing the intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) concentration.

Transport of viruses through fetal membranes: an in vitro model of perinatal transmission.

A model system for perinatal transmission of viral infections was developed and transport of infectious virus particles through fetal membranes was investigated. Viruses of different families known to cause serious intrauterine infections were selected, including relevant and model viruses: the DNA-viruses HSV-1 and -2 as well as the animal herpes viruses BHV-1 and SHV-1, the RNA-virus BVDV as a model for hepatitis C virus, HIV-1 and -2, and PPV as a model for parvovirus B19. Migration of infectious virus from the maternal to the fetal side of the membrane could be detected as early as 20 min after the start of incubation.