Genetic architecture of HIV-1 genes circulating in north India & their functional implications.
This review presents data on genetic and functional analysis of some of the HIV-1 genes derived from HIV-1 infected individuals from north India (Delhi, Punjab and Chandigarh). We found evidence of novel B/C recombinants in HIV-1 LTR region showing relatedness to China/Myanmar with 3 copies of Nfκb sites; B/C/D mosaic genomes for HIV-1 Vpr and novel B/C Tat. We reported appearance of a complex recombinant form CRF_02AG of HIV-1 envelope sequences which is predominantly found in Central/Western Africa. Also one Indian HIV-1 envelope subtype C sequence suggested exclusive CXCR4 co-receptor usage. This extensive recombination, which is observed in about 10 per cent HIV-1 infected individuals in the Vpr genes, resulted in remarkably altered functions when compared with prototype subtype B Vpr. The Vpu C was found to be more potent in causing apoptosis when compared with Vpu B when analyzed for subG1 DNA content. The functional implications of these changes as well as in other genes of HIV-1 are discussed in detail with possible implications for subtype-specific pathogenesis highlighted.
Department of Virology, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India.
Ujjwal
U
Neogi
Vikas
V
Sood
Larence
L
Ronsard
Jyotsna
J
Singh
Sneh
S
Lata
V G
VG
Ramachandran
S
S
Das
Ajay
A
Wanchu
Akhil C
AC
Banerjea
D016334:Genes, vpr / Q000235:genetics*; D014644:Genetic Variation; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology*; D016325:HIV Long Terminal Repeat / Q000235:genetics*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D011995:Recombination, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D054299:env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Q000235:genetics*
D054299:env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus