CD4(+) T-Lymphocyte Depletion in Human Lymphoid Tissue Ex Vivo Is Not Induced by Noninfectious Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Virions

We tested infectious human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), noninfectious but conformationally authentic inactivated whole HIV-1 virions, and purified gp120 for the ability to induce depletion of CD4(+) T cells in human lymphoid tissues ex vivo. Infectious CXCR4-tropic HIV-1, but not matched inactivated virions or gp120, mediated CD4(+) T-cell depletion, consistent with mechanisms requiring productive infection.