2-LTR CIRCULAR VIRAL-DNA AS A MARKER FOR HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUSTYPE-1 INFECTION IN-VIVO

The unintegrated viral DNA found in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection includes linear and circular forms. We targeted the circul ar form containing two copies of the viral long terminal repeat (2-LTR circle) and developed specific assays to detect this molecule in peri pheral blood mononuclear cells from HIV-infected patients. In vitro HI V-1 infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed rapid accum ulation and rapid decay of 2-LTR circular viral DNA. Examination of 2- LTR circular viral DNA levels provides a view of spreading infection b ased on a viral DNA form that is structurally distinct and has a known , short half-life in infected cells. In patients not receiving antivir al therapy, the levers of 2-LTR circular viral DNA and total viral DNA were significantly correlated to CD4 cell counts. similar correlation s were not observed in patients receiving zidovudine (AZT), didanosine (ddA), or zalcitabine (ddC). (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.