[Dynamic variation of HIV-1 CRF07_BC env gene in early HIV-1 infection].
OBJECTIVE
To understand the evolution of HIV-1 CRF07_BC envelope, we performed a longitudinal study on two patients during their early HIV-1 infection.


METHODS
RNA was extracted from the plasma of the individuals and the C2-C5 fragments of the gp120 gene of HIV-1 were amplified by RT-PCR. Purified DNA segments were inserted into T easy vector and transformed into E. coli Top 10 competent cells. Positive clones were identified by blue-white screening, confirmed by PCR and sequenced by ABI 3700.


RESULTS
The samples were collected from the patients every 6 months from seroconversion time. The genetic diversity and divergence in env gene showed consistent increases over time. Our sequence analysis also revealed obvious non-synonymous change in env C1, C3 and V4 regions among these samples.


CONCLUSIONS
The results support the concept that the consistent pattern of viral evolution existed during early phase of HIV-1 infection. C1, C3 and V4 region of env gene may be mainly immunological target during AIDS progression.
Liu
Sheng-Ya
SY
National Center for STD/AIDS Prevention and Control China CDC, Beijing 100050, China.
Xing
Hui
H
Zhang
Yuan-Zhi
YZ
Ruan
Yu-Hua
YH
Quan
Yu
Y
Zhu
Jia-Hong
JH
Shao
Yi-Ming
YM
D000328:Adult; D014644:Genetic Variation; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000821:virology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D054299:env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Q000235:genetics*
D054299:env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus