THE GROWTH OF HUMAN HIV-1-INFECTED U937 CELLS IN IMMUNE-DEPRIVED MICE

We report in vivo growth of human promonocytic cells infected with HIV -1 presented in new mouse model. Cloned U937 cells chronically infecte d with HIV-1 were grafted in (CBAC57B1/6)F1 mice deprived of immunity by thymectomia and total body irradiation with subsequent marrow reco nstitution. Nine weeks after cell inoculation, HIV-l-positive cells we re found only in mice that received an additional single dose of cyclo phosphamide (100 mg/kg bw) prior to transplantation, whereas, in mice without further immune deprivation, the complete elimination of cells bearing viral antigen occured already on the seventh day after transpl antation. The approach described may be suitable for in vivo developme nt of antiviral drugs against latent infection in macrophage-like cell s which represents a serious problem in therapy of AIDS in humans.