Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting the presence of a retrovirus in a biological sample comprising the steps of: a) contacting the biological sample with an RNA template and a complementary DNA primer under conditions whereby the RNA template and the DNA primer will anneal and a DNA strand will be synthesized as an extension from the DNA primer if reverse transcriptase is present in the sample; b) amplifying the synthesized DNA; and c) detecting the amplification of the synthesized DNA, the amplification of the synthesized DNA indicating the presence of reverse transcriptase in the biological sample, thus indicating the presence of a retrovirus in the biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention comprises spumavirus isolated from humans. More specifically, the spumavirus of the present invention was isolated from humans who had exposure to nonhuman primates. Importantly, the spumavirus of the present invention or antibodies to the spumavirus can be used to detect the presence of spumavirus or antibodies in body fluids, for pathogenicity studies of related viruses, and as a vector for gene therapies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting the presence of a retrovirus in a biological sample comprising the steps of: a) contacting the biological sample with an RNA template and a complementary DNA primer under conditions whereby the RNA template and the DNA primer will anneal and a DNA strand will be synthesized as an extension from the DNA primer if reverse transcriptase is present in the sample; b) amplifying the synthesized DNA; and c) detecting the amplification of the synthesized DNA, the amplification of the synthesized DNA indicating the presence of reverse transcriptase in the biological sample, thus indicating the presence of a retrovirus in the biological sample.

Abstract: A rabbit model for testing anti-AIDS therapeutic agents, vaccines, and HIV-1 infection is described.

Abstract: A human T cell clone containing an integrated copy of HIV in a latent state, but inducible to productive replication by an activating agent is provided. The clone of the present invention allows in vitro screening of anti-HIV drugs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique physiologic model of chronic human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection. In particular, the present invention relates to a chronically infected promyelocyte cell line harboring a single integrated provirus. Unlike other models of chronic infection, the cell line of the present invention remain CD4.sup.+ under normal culture conditions during which <10% of the cells constitutively express HIV-1 proteins. However, when treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-.alpha.), the cell line dramatically increased (>35-fold) HIV-1 expression and rapidly down-modulated surface CD4, as >95% of the cells became HIV-1.sup.+. These results with the new OM-10.

Abstract: A rabbit model for testing anti-AIDS therapeutic agents, vaccines, and HIV-1 infection is described.

Abstract: Leu-3.sup.- cells surviving infection with the AIDS retrovirus can be induced with IUdR to express infectious virus. A cellular clone (8E5), isolated by limiting dilution of a mass culture of survivor cells, was found to contain a single, integrated, defective provirus that was consitutively expressed. Although IUdR treatment of 8E5 cells failed to induce infectious virus, cocultivation with Leu-3.sup.+ generated the characteristic syncytia associated with acute AIDS retrovirus infention. The single integrated copy of proviral DNA directs the synthesis of all major viral structural proteins except p64 and p34 as monitored by immunoblotting. Diagnostic reagents and kits in accordance with the present invention are also described.