Antibodies reactive with human t lymphotropic retroviruses human t cell leukemia lymphoma virus iii in the serum of patients with acquired immuno deficiency syndrome
Sarngadharan, M.G.; Popovic, M.; Bruch, L.; Schupbach, J.; Gallo, R.C.
Science 224(4648): 506-508
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0091-7729 Document Number: 419714
Viruses of a 3rd subgroup of human T-lymphotropic retroviruses, collectively designated HTLV-III [human T cell leukemia-lymphoma virus-III], were isolated from cultured cells of 48 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The biological properties of HTLV-III and immunological analyses of its proteins show that this virus is a member of the HTLV family, and that it is more closely related to HTLV-II than to HTLV-I. Serum samples from 88% of patients with AIDS and from 79% of homosexual men with signs and symptoms that frequently precede AIDS, but from < 1% of heterosexual subjects, had antibodies reactive against antigens of HTLV-III. The major immune reactivity appeared to be directed against p41, the presumed envelope antigen of the virus.