The present invention provides isolated cells that comprise, integrated
into the genome of the cell, a transcription-competent immunodeficiency
virus or a transcription-competent immunodeficiency virus-based
retroviral vector. Under basal in vitro culture conditions, the
immunodeficiency virus is latent, and the expression of the latent
immunodeficiency virus can be reactivated. The invention farther provides
methods of making a subject cell. The invention further provides
screening methods for identifying agents that activate a latent
immunodeficiency virus; and screening method for identifying agents that
block reactivation of latent immunodeficiency virus expression in
response to T cell activation signals. The invention further provides
agents identified in the subject screening assays. The invention further
provides methods of treating an immunodeficiency virus infection.