Use of a focal infectivity assay for testing susceptibility of HIV to antiviral agents
Pincus, S.H.; Wehrly, K.; Chesebro, B.
Biotechniques 10(3): 336-342
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0736-6205 PMID: 2064772 Document Number: 371634
A highly sensitive and quantitative focal immunoassay has been developed for detecting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The assay can be used to measure cell-free virus or the production of HIV by virus-infected cells. Both laboratory-adapted strains of HIV and patient isolates can be studied with this assay. In this communication, we demonstrate the utility of this assay for measuring the effects of anti-HIV agents on viral isolates. We show that the anti-viral effects of such diverse agents as azidothymidine, interferon-.alpha., immunotoxins, soluble CD4 and antibody can be accurately quantified. This assay may be used in the discovery and evaluation of new anti-HIV therapies or may be adapted for use in testing the sensitivity of patient isolates to standard therapeutic agents.