Penn Center for AIDS Research

Viral / Molecular Core Virology Services

Core Services Main Page | Virology | Molecular | Sequencing | SGA Services | BSL-3 Facility | Other

• HIV-1 viral isolate repository
• Virus isolation from clinical samples
• Virus phenotyping (SI / NSI and R5 / R5X4 / X4 analysis)
• HIV-1 p24 and SIV/HIV-2 p27 Gag antigen ELISA assay
• Amplification and QA of virus stocks
• Mycoplasma testing of virus stocks
• Inactivated HIV-1 Virions
• Plate Fluorimetry, Luminometry and Continuous Absorbance Spectophotometer
• Custom Viral Services & Consultation in other viral services

Core Service Contact:
Farida Shaheen, Ph.D.
Technical Director, Viral and Molecular Core
Tel: 215-898-5180
Fax: 215-573-4446
Email: farida@mail.med.upenn.edu

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HIV-1 viral isolate repository

The Viral/Molecular Core maintains a Virus Repository with high quality stocks of HIV-1 prototype and primary isolates of various phenotypes, including drug resistant viruses and accessory gene mutants. Viruses are grown in permissive cells, titered by p24 antigen content, verified by V3 sequence fingerprinting and confirmed mycoplasma-free by PCR. They are available in 0.5 ml aliquots. We frequently add new viruses to the repository, so if there is an isolate you would like to use and do not find here, please

As an added convenience for Penn CFAR members, we have stocks of frequently-used UNAIDS/NIH AIDS Repository isolates, and a blanket MTA in place so individual investigators do not need to complete paperwork and MTA individually.

The viruses available include:

Virus can be obtained by completing the Reagent Request Form and calling 215-898-5180 to arrange pickup. Costs are outlined below (per vial containing 0.5 ml virus stock).