Specific enfuvirtide-associated mutational pathways in HIV-1 Gp41 are significantly correlated with an increase in CD4(+) cell count, despite virological failure.
BACKGROUND
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp41 is a crucial determinant for HIV-1 pathogenicity. We investigated the correlation of enfuvirtide (ENF)-associated gp41 mutational clusters with viroimmunological parameters, as well as the potential underlying mechanisms.


METHODS
A total of 172 gp41 sequences and clinical follow-up data from 73 ENF-treated patients were analyzed monthly, from baseline to week 48.


RESULTS
There were 7 novel gp41 mutations positively associated with ENF treatment and correlated with classic ENF mutations. The ENF-associated clusters [V38A + N140I ] and [V 38A +T18A ] significantly correlated with an increase in CD4 cell count at week 48 ( an increase from baseline of 112 and 209 cells/microL, respectively), whereas [Q40H + L45M + 268A] significantly correlated with a decrease in CD4 cell count (-53 cells/microL), without a change in the level of viremia. Residues 38 and 18 are located complementarily to each other in the Rev-responsive element, whereas analysis of molecular dynamics showed that the copresence of [V38A + N140 I] abolishes the interaction between residue 38 and 145 important for stabilization of the 6-helix bundle. In contrast, T268A localizes in the gp41 calmodulin-binding domain responsible for gp41-induced CD4(+) T lymphocyte apoptosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Specific gp41 mutational clusters associated with ENF treatment significantly correlate with increases in CD4(+) cell count. Structural analysis suggests that this immunological gain is associated with mechanisms that act at both the protein level and the RNA level (even under conditions of virological failure). This result may help in the selection of patients who can benefit most from ENF treatment and represents a driving force for the design of the next generation of entry inhibitors.
Svicher
Valentina
V
Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Tor Vergata Rome, Italy. valentina.svicher@uniroma2.it
Aquaro
Stefano
S
D'Arrigo
Roberta
R
Artese
Anna
A
Dimonte
Salvatore
S
Alcaro
Stefano
S
Santoro
Maria Mercedes
MM
Di Perri
Giovanni
G
Caputo
Sergio Lo
SL
Bellagamba
Rita
R
Zaccarelli
Mauro
M
Visco-Comandini
Ubaldo
U
Antinori
Andrea
A
Narciso
Pasquale
P
Ceccherini-Silberstein
Francesca
F
Perno
Carlo-Federico
CF
D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D024882:Drug Resistance, Viral / Q000235:genetics*; D000077560:Enfuvirtide; D005260:Female; D015700:HIV Envelope Protein gp41 / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000494:pharmacology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008958:Models, Molecular; D020125:Mutation, Missense / Q000276:immunology*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019562:Viral Load; D014766:Viremia
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D015700:HIV Envelope Protein gp41; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D000077560:Enfuvirtide