AN HSP60 RELATED PROTEIN IS ASSOCIATED WITH PURIFIED HIV AND SIV

The possible physical association of heat shock proteins (Hsp's) with immunodeficiency viruses (HIV and SIV) has been examined. The virions were purified by a) polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation and Sephar ose 4B filtration, b) PEG precipitation and centrifugation over a Reno grafin gradient, or c) PEG precipitation and Matrex Cellufine Sulfate affinity chromatography. Western blotting revealed an Hsp60 related pr otein associated with HIV and SIV. Other Hsp's (such as Hsp70) were no t detected, suggesting a specific interaction between Hsp60 and viral factors.