Impact of stromal cells of different lymphoid tissues on the replication of feline immunodeficiency virus in monocytic cells and T-lymphocytes

FIV is an important cat pathogen that causes a lifelong infection. Recently, it was shown that lymphoid tissues are sites of productive viral replication, while replication is silenced in blood. In this project, stromal cells from different lymphoid tissues (lymph nodes, bone marrow, spleen) will be isolated and immortalized and their positive effect on FIV replication in monocytic cells and T-lymphocytes will be examined.