Neutralizing antibodies against HIV determined by amplification of viral long terminal repeat sequences from cells infected in vitro by nonneutralized virions

Researchers report the development of a technique to measure the immune system response to antibodies against HIV. Virus neutralizing antibodies have prevented infection after exposure to HIV-like viruses in chimpanzees and mice. Patients who remain healthy despite HIV infection may have high levels of viral neutralizing antibodies in their blood. A molecular assay using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique may be used to detect HIV neutralization by antibodies.