A critical analysis of human immunodeficiency virus transmission using human cartilage allografts.

Allogeneic cartilage represents an important source of tissue for reconstructive surgery in the head and neck. The use of allografts is now being discussed because of the possible transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The receptor for HIV in most cell types is the CD-4 molecule. Since cartilage is a popular homograft source, the purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of CD-4 molecules on cartilage tissue as detected with an immunoperoxidase staining and immunofluorescence flow cytometric analysis using a monoclonal antibody. Our results indicate clearly the absence of the HIV receptor on human cartilage tissue. We have concluded therefore that normal cartilage tissue cannot be infected by HIV, at least not through a CD-4-dependent mechanism.