Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of South African HIV-1 subtype C accessory genes.
To acquire new knowledge about the genetic diversity and potential impact on vaccine strategies of HIV-1 subtype C in South Africa, we have characterized the vif, vpr, and vpu genes of 15 isolates. Phylogenetic analysis of the genomic fragment encompassing these genes revealed subtype C subclusters, suggesting close relatedness with subtype C strains from other geographic locations and excluded isolation of South African strains. The putative T155 phosphorylation site in the C terminal of Vif was absent in all subtype C sequences. Variation in the predicted amino acid sequences of the three genes further showed strong correlation with other subtype C sequences.
Scriba
T J
TJ
Department of Medical Virology, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa.
Treurnicht
F K
FK
Zeier
M
M
Engelbrecht
S
S
van Rensburg
E J
EJ
D016915:AIDS Vaccines; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D005260:Female; D005814:Genes, Viral; D016341:Genes, vif / Q000235:genetics; D016334:Genes, vpr / Q000235:genetics; D016338:Genes, vpu / Q000235:genetics; D014644:Genetic Variation; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010802:Phylogeny; D016415:Sequence Alignment; D013019:South Africa
D016915:AIDS Vaccines