Use of RetroNectin in studies requiring in vitro HIV-1 infection of human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes damage, directly or indirectly, to the whole hematopoietic system including CD34 + hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC). CXCR4-tropic strains of HIV-1 may be potent to affect the function of CD34 + CXCR4 + progenitor cells either by infecting the cells or by modifying the dynamics of more differentiated hematopoietic cells. However, CD34 + cells are known for the resistance to HIV-1 infection in vitro, restricting the detailed analysis of the impact of HIV upon HSPC. Here the authors report a use of RetroNectin, a recombinant fibronectin fragment used for gene transfer with lentiviral vectors, to overcome the limitation.