Abstract
Heterosexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the predominant mode of infection worldwide. The early steps of transepithelial infection are crucial, but how exactly infection is established in the female genital tract (FGT) is still under debate. Using epithelial cells originating from the FGT and primary cells as subepithelial HIV target cells, an in vitro dual-chamber model of the FGT was developed. Here we describe how this in vitro model can be used to assess the cellular toxicity and anti-HIV activity of antiretrovirals and formulations thereof that are intended to be used as microbicides.
MeSH terms
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Anti-HIV Agents / toxicity*
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CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
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CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / virology
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Cell Culture Techniques / methods
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Cell Differentiation
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Cell Line
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Cell Survival
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Coculture Techniques / methods
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Dendritic Cells / drug effects
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Dendritic Cells / virology
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Epithelial Cells / drug effects*
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Epithelial Cells / virology
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Female
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Genitalia, Female / drug effects*
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HIV Infections / prevention & control
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HIV Infections / transmission
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HIV Infections / virology
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HIV-1 / drug effects
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HIV-1 / growth & development
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High-Throughput Screening Assays / methods*
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Humans
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Models, Biological*
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Virus Cultivation / methods