近年来，由于Transwell小室能在体外模拟机体许多黏膜及生理屏障系统，如人生殖道黏膜、直肠组织黏膜及血-脑屏障、血-视网膜屏障等，重现人类免疫缺陷病毒(HIV)感染机体的过程，对HIV感染机体机制的研究极为重要，因而被广泛应用。目前，尚无有效抗HIV疫苗问世，因此开发能阻断HIV性传播的药物是有效途径之一。通过Transwell技术对HIV穿透黏膜及屏障系统感染机体机制的深入研究，也能为HIV防治药物的研发寻找新的作用靶点。本文就近年来Transwell技术在HIV感染黏膜及其他屏障系统中的应用作一综述。

Transwell is a device widely used for simulating mucosal and physiologic barrier systems, such as human reproductive tract mucosa, rectal mucosa, blood-brain barrier and blood-retina barrier in vitro. This device has been used to study he process of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) entering into the body and to help us to illustrate , the mechanism of HIV infection. The system is also being used to facilitate the discovery of new vaccines and drugs for HIV. This review covers the current progresses of transwell applications in HIV-related studies.