Author ORCID Identifier

Denton - https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2458-8147

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-31-2020

Publication Title

Journal of Visualized Experiments

Volume

155

Abstract

Humanized mice provide a sophisticated platform to study human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) virology and to test antiviral drugs. This protocol describes the establishment of a human immune system in adult NOG mice. Here, we explain all the practical steps from isolation of umbilical cord blood derived human CD34+ cells and their subsequent intravenous transplantation into the mice, to the manipulation of the model through HIV infection, combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), and blood sampling. Approximately 75,000 hCD34+ cells are injected intravenously into the mice and the level of human chimerism, also known as humanization, in the peripheral blood is estimated longitudinally for months by flow cytometry. A total of 75,000 hCD34+ cells yields 20%–50% human CD45+ cells in the peripheral blood. The mice are susceptible to intravaginal infection with HIV and blood can be sampled once weekly for analysis, and twice monthly for extended periods. This protocol describes an assay for quantification of plasma viral load using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). We show how the mice can be effectively treated with a standard-of- care cART regimen in the diet. The delivery of cART in the form of regular mouse chow is a significant refinement of the experimental model. This model can be used for preclinical analysis of both systemic and topical pre-exposure prophylaxis compounds as well as for testing of novel treatments and HIV cure strategies.

Comments

This is the accepted version of an article published in the Journal of Visualized Experiments on January 31, 2020 and can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.3791/60723

Publisher, JOVE, is the copyright holder and all reuse and permissions must be obtain directly from the publisher.

Download

Included in

Biology Commons

Share

COinS