Inducing Long-Term HIV-1 Latency in the TKO-BLT Mouse Model.

Multiple humanized mouse models have been produced for the study of HIV-1 infection and treatment. Humanized mice produced using the bone marrow, liver, thymus (BLT) method particularly have well-reconstituted and functional human immune systems, providing an excellent model for HIV-1 cure strategies that aim to harness the human immune system as part of the cure approach. The TKO-BLT humanized mouse model is especially useful for long-term studies as it is highly resistant to the wasting syndrome and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD ) that can limit the use of other BLT-models. Here we describe the methods used to induce latency in TKO-BLT mice, using both injectable and free-fed combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) regimens, for use in the study of HIV-1 latency and evaluation of HIV-1 cure interventions.