A cutting-edge collection of basic and state-of-the-art methods optimized for investigating the molecular biology of this class of retrovirus. These readily reproducible techniques range from methods for the isolation and detection of human retroviruses to cutting-edge methods for exploring the interplay between the viruses and the host. Here, the researcher will find up-to-date techniques for the isolation and propagation of HIV, HTLV, and foamy virus from a variety of sources. There are also assays for determining the cell tropism of HIV-1, the coreceptor usage of HIV-1, and human gene expression with HIV-1 infection by microarrays, as well as for phenotyping HIV-1 infected monocytes and examining their fitness. Highlights include the detection and quantification of HIV-1 in resting CD4+, a new cloning system for making recombinent virus, cDNA microarrays, and the determination of genetic polymorphisms in two recently identified HIV-1 co-factors that are critical for HIV-1 infection.

"Human Retroviruses: Methods and Protocols collects key experimental protocols that have provided the basis of the major discoveries of the field. Split into five sections, this detailed volume covers mapping of the HIV life cycle, isolation, co-receptor use, and cell tropism of HIV-1, in vivo quantification of HIV-1, biological aspects of HIV-1, as well as HTLVs. Some articles explore assay and function of accessory genes, largely involving the interface between retroviral and host factors, the extracellular role of Tat and Tax, resembling the function of cytokines, and the biotechnological exploitation of HIV as lentiviral vector to carry foreign genes with therapeutic value. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and authoritative, Human Retroviruses: Methods and Protocols provides state-of-art methodological protocols from world leaders in human retrovirology, essential for any lab working this vital field."--Publisher's description.

The first book to specifically cover the molecular biology of retroviruses - of immense importance since the high profile of HIV. International contributors provide detailed reviews of the latest knowledge. An excellent text for both medical and non-medical researchers, it also serves as an illuminating introduction for scientists active in other areas.

A cutting-edge collection of basic and state-of-the-art methods optimized for investigating the molecular biology of this class of retrovirus. These readily reproducible techniques range from methods for the isolation and detection of human retroviruses to cutting-edge methods for exploring the interplay between the viruses and the host. Here, the researcher will find up-to-date techniques for the isolation and propagation of HIV, HTLV, and foamy virus from a variety of sources. There are also assays for determining the cell tropism of HIV-1, the coreceptor usage of HIV-1, and human gene expression with HIV-1 infection by microarrays, as well as for phenotyping HIV-1 infected monocytes and examining their fitness. Highlights include the detection and quantification of HIV-1 in resting CD4+, a new cloning system for making recombinent virus, cDNA microarrays, and the determination of genetic polymorphisms in two recently identified HIV-1 co-factors that are critical for HIV-1 infection.

This book presents twenty-four tightly focused reviews on the biology, molecular biology, pathology, and epidemiology of the human retroviruses, particularly HIV and HTLV (Types I and II), as well as animal model systems (simian retroviruses, STLV and SIV, and mouse models).Editor Robert C. Gallo is recognized as a co-discoverer of the AIDS virus.

While HIV-1 continues to be well-researched, this detailed volume draws attention to other members of the Retrovirus family, namely the Human T-lymphotropic Viruses (HTLVs), featuring the most updated technical information about HTLV determination and the methods to investigate their interaction with the host immune system and interfering pathogens. The contents include essential aspects of epidemiology and virus transmission, novel and robust methodologies for studying the effects of trans-activating regulatory HTLVs’ proteins, the latest techniques for genotyping and gene expression analysis, as well as cellular phenotype and dynamics. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Human T-Lymphotropic Viruses: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide to an area of study that is very much worthy of further research.

There are three major types of human retroviruses, namely HIV, HTLV, and endogenous human retroviruses. This book presents the latest findings on the replication of these human retroviruses. This book is unique in that there has been no comparable book that integrates the findings from the three known classes of human retroviruses. Other books have focused on one of the three classes of human retroviruses individually.An accomplished international team of contributing authors have combined their expertise to provide cutting-edge findings in this important field. The book will be a valuable reference for students, researchers and medical professionals.