Differences in HIV-1 gp120 Glycosylation Between Plasma and Leukocytes
Author Information
Author(s): Ho Yung Shwen, Abecasis Ana B, Theys Kristof, Deforche Koen, Dwyer Dominic E, Charleston Michael, Vandamme Anne Mieke, Saksena Nitin K
Primary Institution: Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney
Hypothesis
How do N-linked glycosylation patterns differ between plasma and leukocyte compartments in HIV-1?
Conclusion
The study found significant differences in N-linked glycosylation patterns between plasma and various blood leukocytes, which may influence HIV's ability to evade the immune response.
Supporting Evidence
- Significant variation in N-linked glycosylation sites was found between patients.
- Cell-specific amino acid changes were identified in monocytes.
- Bayesian network analyses indicated interdependencies between glycosylation sites.
Takeaway
This study looked at how HIV changes its sugar coating in different parts of the body, which helps it hide from the immune system.
Methodology
The study analyzed 305 clones from plasma and leukocyte compartments of 15 HIV-1 patients using bioinformatics and Bayesian network analyses.
Potential Biases
There may be biases due to the selection of patients and the treatment they were receiving.
Limitations
The study was limited by the small sample size and the potential for non-independence of sequences from the same patient.
Participant Demographics
Fifteen HIV-1 infected patients on HAART with varying plasma viral loads and T cell counts.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.044
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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