Spermatozoon as a vehicle for HIV-1 and other viruses: A review

HIV and gamete interactions

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HIV RNA and proviral HIV DNA can be detected in semen after 6 months of antiretroviral therapy although HIV RNA is undetectable in blood

“…Semen is composed of cells and secretions from the testes, epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicles and bulbo‐urethral glands .The nature of the interaction between HIV and spermatozoa remains a matter of debate . It is generally accepted that motile spermatozoa are not productively infected by the virus . HIV‐infected T cells and macrophages have been detected throughout the male genital tract and represent the primary target cells for the virus .The infected cells most likely correspond to infected leucocytes in the semen.…”

Developmental Toxicology Studies of WHI-07, a Novel Nucleoside Analogue-Based Dual-Function Microbicide, Administered Intravaginally to Rabbits

“…Therefore, the antiviral and spermicidal action of WHI-07 are particularly relevant in genital tract secretions because of its ability to bypass the dependence of TK-mediated activation especially in leukocytes and germ cells. The efficient metabolism of WHI-07 in TK-deficient cells is particularly promising for curbing vaginal transmission of HIV by leukocytes and sperm as the infectious cells in the semen (36,37,46).…”