title: Evolutionary dynamics of HTLV-I.
abstract: Using mathematical models to describe the in vivo dynamics of HTLV-I infection, an explanation is offered for the slow rate of evolution of HTLV-I relative to HIV-1. In agreement with experimental findings, it is assumed that cell activation is required for successful replication in T helper cells and that HTLV-I induces a significant degree of bystander activation. It is found that the rate of evolution of HTLV-I is limited by the restricted availability of activated uninfected T cells, both at high and low proviral loads. This limits the within-host sequence diversity of HTLV-I and may therefore account for the slow rate of evolution of the virus in the population. Specific differences in the in vivo dynamics of HTLV-I and HIV-1 are identified which may account for the discrepancy in the rate of evolution of these two retroviruses.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Advanced Study, Olden Lane, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wodarz
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Bangham
mesh_terms: D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D015368:Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008938:Mitosis; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000821:virology; D014779:Virus Replication