Patent ID: 7544467

Claim:
A method of identifying an agent that activates a latent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the method comprising: a) contacting a cell in vitro with a test agent, wherein the cell is an isolated cell that comprises a recombinant transcription-competent immunodeficiency virus or vector integrated into the genome of the cell, wherein the virus or vector comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a detectable marker operably linked to an immunodeficiency virus promoter, wherein the virus or vector comprises a functional transactivation response element (TAR) and comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a functional transactivator protein (Tat), wherein the virus or vector is latent and transcriptionally silent under basal in vitro culture conditions, and wherein expression of the latent virus or vector can be reactivated; and b) determining the effect, if any, of the test agent on production of the detectable marker, wherein production of the detectable marker indicates that the test agent activates a latent HIV.