[The origin and evolution of HIV].
Understanding HIV-1 evolution is crucial for tracing its ape origin as well as considering genetic variation within and among hosts. Here, we review the current evidence documenting cross-species transmission from chimpanzees and gorillas to human. First, each HIV-1 groups M, N, O and P arose through 4 different cross-species transmissions of SIVcpz and SIVgor. Second, in vitro studies demonstrate that SIVcpz and SIVgor have many of the biological properties necessary for establishing a persistent infection in humans.
Takehisa
Jun
J
Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.
Miura
Tomoyuki
T
D000818:Animals; D018420:Ape Diseases / Q000821:virology*; D006071:Gorilla gorilla; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006801:Humans; D002679:Pan troglodytes; D015302:Simian Immunodeficiency Virus / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D015047:Zoonoses / Q000635:transmission