HIV-1 Variants and Survival Advantage in HLA-Mismatched Recipients
Author Information
Author(s): Chopera Denis R., Woodman Zenda, Mlisana Koleka, Mlotshwa Mandla, Martin Darren P., Seoighe Cathal, Treurnicht Florette, de Rosa Debra Assis, Hide Winston, Karim Salim Abdool, Gray Clive M., Williamson Carolyn
Primary Institution: Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town
Hypothesis
Does infection with HIV-1 CTL escape variants provide a survival advantage to HLA-mismatched recipients?
Conclusion
Infection with HLA-B*57/B*5801 escape mutants is associated with lower viral load and higher CD4+ counts in newly infected hosts.
Supporting Evidence
- Individuals infected with T242N/A146X mutants had significantly lower viral loads and higher CD4+ counts at three months post-infection.
- At 12 months post-infection, these individuals also had significantly lower viral loads and higher CD4+ counts.
- The study identified two HIV-1 Gag polymorphisms associated with low viral loads and high CD4+ counts.
Takeaway
Some people infected with a weaker form of HIV may have better health because the virus can't reproduce as well in their bodies.
Methodology
The study analyzed the relationship between transmitted virus genotypes and disease progression markers in HLA-B*57/B*5801-negative individuals.
Limitations
The study excluded individuals with HLA-B*57/B*5801 alleles, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Participants were HLA-B*57/B*5801-negative women, estimated to be between 22 and 62 days post HIV infection.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0275
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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