Cell specific anti-viral drug susceptibility test using tagged permissive target cells

Abstract

The present invention concerns a method of testing the viral susceptibility of a compound. It includes the steps of mixing subject cells infected with a virus with target cells. The target cells of the compound include a marker. Another step includes stimulating viral production. The mixture is then subjected to at least one antiviral compound. Viral production in the target cells is then detected.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of testing viral susceptibility of a compound comprising: 
 mixing virally infected subject cells with target cells;    said target cells having a marker;    stimulating viral production;    subjecting said mixture to at least one antiviral compound;    detecting viral production in said target cells.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said detection is performed by in-situ hybridization.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said detection is performed by polymerase chain reaction.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said detection is performed by nucleic acid hybridization.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said detection is performed by hybrid capture.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said detection is performed by branched DNA detection.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said marker is a dye.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said dye is non-transferable.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said marker is a fluorescent dye.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said marker is a colometric dye.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said marker is a chemiluminescent dye.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said dilution is a serial dilution.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said dilution is a serial dilution of multiple concentrations.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said target cell is susceptible to the same virus that infects said subject cells.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said target cell is susceptible to a plurality of viruses.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said compound is an entry inhibitor.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said compound is a nucleoside inhibitor.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said compound is a non-nucleoside inhibitor.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said compound is an integrase inhibitor.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said compound is a polymerase inhibitor.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said compound is a protease inhibitor.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said compound is a transcription inhibitor.