HIV-1 subtype C in vitro growth and coreceptor utilization.
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtype C (HIV-1C) accounts for about 50% of all HIV infections in the pandemic and is the predominant subtype in the heavily burdened region of southern Africa. HIV-1C possesses unique genetic and phenotypic features that might be associated with biological differences compared to other subtypes. Here, we generated virus isolates from individuals at different stages of HIV-1C infection and investigated the chemokine receptor repertoire that the derived HIV-1C isolates may utilize for entry. Our results show that the R5 phenotype predominates among viruses in Botswana, with a lesser contribution of viruses showing the dualtropic X4R5 phenotype. No viruses of pure X4 phenotype were found, which suggests no discernable evolution of HIV-1C to a monotropic X4 phenotype as the epidemic ages in Botswana. Usage of other coreceptors was rare and apparently insignificant. These results enhance our understanding of HIV-1C biology, with implications for designing and testing therapeutic and prophylactic agents.
Ndung'u
Thumbi
T
Botswana-Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative Partnership for HIV Research and Education, Private Bag BO320, Bontleng, Gaborone, Botswana, Africa.
Sepako
Enoch
E
McLane
Mary Fran
MF
Chand
Fatima
F
Bedi
Keabetswe
K
Gaseitsiwe
Simani
S
Doualla-Bell
Florence
F
Peter
Trevor
T
Thior
Ibou
I
Moyo
Sikhulile M
SM
Gilbert
Peter B
PB
Novitsky
Vladimir A
VA
Essex
Max
M
D002460:Cell Line; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000821:virology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000502:physiology*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D015728:Receptors, HIV / Q000378:metabolism*
D015728:Receptors, HIV