The epidemic origin and molecular properties of B': a founder strain of the HIV-1 transmission in Asia.
OBJECTIVE
To clarify the epidemic origin and molecular properties of the B' subtype that is an important strain in the HIV-1 epidemic in Asia.


METHODS
The genealogical relationship between the B' and B subtype was investigated with two globally representative datasets covering the gag and env regions. B' sequences were identified, from which the epidemic origin, population genetics and the signature mutation sites of the B' subtype were inferred.


METHODS
Two globally representative datasets were compiled, using phylogenetic methods. Through coalescent-based analysis, the genealogical relationship between the B' and B subtypes was investigated. The divergence times and population genetic parameters of B' were estimated in a Bayesian framework using Markov Chains Monte Carlo sampling under a relaxed molecular clock method. Additionally, molecular properties of the B' were identified by performing comparative sequence analysis with the HIV-1 M group.


RESULTS
About 15 years later after the B subtype began to spread, the B' diverged from the B subtype. The demographic history of B' was reconstructed, and the epidemic of B' was estimated to originate around 1985. Eight and nine distinct signature mutation sites, unique to B', were found around the p17 and V3 regions, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Our research is the first large-scale investigation on HIV-1 B' at a global level and provides a deep insight into one of the founder strains of HIV-1 epidemic in Asia. Our results provide an important reference for HIV scientists, public health officials and HIV vaccine designers.
Deng
Xiang
X
HIV Molecular Epidemiology and Virology Research Group, The State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan, China.
Liu
Haizhou
H
Shao
Yiming
Y
Rayner
Simon
S
Yang
Rongge
R