Unintegrated DNA in cells infected in vitro with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): a new approach to suppression of virus release

Abstract

Retroviral RNA is copied into DNA by reverse transcriptase when the viral genome enters into its life cycle. In the case of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), massive amounts of unintegrated viral DNA reportedly appear in the early phase of primary infection. However, the relationship between the accumulation of this DNA and the cytopathic effect (CPE) remains obscure. In an attempt to delineate this association, we examined the appearance of the unintegrated viral DNA by means of two experimental systems: (1) primary infection of highly susceptible MOLT-4#8 cells and (2) induction of CPE by cell-fusion of persistently infected MOLT-4#8 cells. A correlation was observed between the accumulation of unintegrated viral DNA and the appearance of CPE, both when MOLT-4#8 cells were infected with cell-free virus and when persistently infected MOLT-4#8 cells were co-cultured with uninfected cells. Persistently infected cells did not fuse spontaneously in culture, because they lack the CD4-molecule on their surfaces. However, when treated with polyethylene glycol (PEG), the cells fused, exhibited ballooning degeneration, and released fewer viruses. After PEG treatment, unintegrated viral DNA also appeared. Since such DNA is generally not detected in persistently infected cells, it is possible that some cellular mechanism exists to suppress the synthesis of viral DNA and that the fusion induced by PEG treatment cancels the suppression. Treatment of persistently infected cells with Ca 2+ ionophore and Ca 2+ antagonist also resulted in the accumulation of unintegrated viral DNA and inhibited virus release. These findings suggest that the induction of unintegrated HIV DNA may be an effective strategy for reducing the release of the virus.