FIG. 7.

The syndecan-Fc hybrid molecule is still active after low pH and genital fluid exposure. (A) TZM-bl cells (20,000 cells) were exposed to JR-CSF (100 pg of p24). Syndecan-1-Fc or control Fc was treated for 8 h at various pHs and added to cells (final concentration of 5 μg/ml) together with virus. Infection was measured 48 h postinfection by β-galactosidase activity. (B) Syndecan-1-Fc or control Fc was diluted in medium, a pool (n = 6) of seminal plasma, a pool of cervical fluid (n = 8), and a pool (n = 4) of vaginal mucus. The dilutions were then added to TZM-bl cells together with HIV-1 (100 pg of p24). Infection was measured 48 h postinfection by β-galactosidase activity. Results are expressed as relative light units. The points are median values, and error bars represent standard errors of triplicates. The P values were calculated using a one-sided t test assuming equal variances.