Early events in HIV transmission through a human reconstructed vaginal mucosa

Abstract

For the first time, we documented that, within 4 h following contact with HIV-infected cells, translocation of free HIV particles across a pluristratified mucosa is not detectable and that, in this context, it seemed that Langerhans cells do not increase HIV transmission. Moreover, we provided a useful model for the development of strategies preventing HIV entry into the female genital tract, especially for testing the efficiency of various microbicides.