Salivary inhibition of HIV-1 infectivity: functional properties and distribution in men, women, and children.

Human salivary gland secretions inhibit infection of human lymphocytes by the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1), the causative agent of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This activity was found in saliva collected directly from the orifice of the major salivary gland ducts and the whole saliva of healthy male volunteers. In the current report, the observations on salivary secretions are expanded to a greater number of individuals, including healthy women and children, and men infected with HIV-1.