Three human brain-derived cell lines (including two of astrocytic origin) were exposed in vitro to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the etiologic agent of immunodeficiency in AIDS. In all three lines, HIV transcripts were detected by in situ hybridisation in 20–30% of cells 48 h afterinfection. Synthesis of virus gag gene products p24 and p55 was demonstrated by immunoblotting. No cytopathic effects typical of HIV-infected human T lymphocytes were observed. Our data indicate that HIV is neurotropic, and support the hypothesis that this virus may infect astrocytes in the brain.
