In vitro studies on HIV-1 infection of Astrocytes.

Abstract

HIV-1 infection of astrocytes is involved in HIV-1 induced neurological diseases and is a possible source of viral persistence. In situ studies of post mortem brain tissue indicate that HIV-1 infection of astrocytes does occur, but is restricted. Previous in vitro studies have revealed intrinsic intracellular blocks to HIV-1 transcription and translation in astrocytes. The early viral replication steps of entry, reverse transcription and integration have not been previously characterised in detail in astrocytes, and are the focus of this study.