Expression of HIV antigens at the surface of infected T4 cells: immunoelectron microscopic evidence of an immunogenic phase prior to the viral release.

HIV antigens were detected by immunoelectron microscopy at the surface of human and simian T4 lymphocytes that had been infected in vitro. HIV antigens were detected at the surface of cells exhibiting viral particles but also at the surface of cells before the release of virions. The latter cells may be considered immunogenic since they are capable of triggering specific immune responses without the cytopathic effects due to viral release.