Killer immunoglobulin-like receptors and HLA act both independently and synergistically to modify HIV disease progression.

Abstract

Variation in the host response to infection by pathogens including HIV-1 may be conferred by polymorphic genetic factors such as HLA and killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) genes. Here, we examined KIR and HLA genotype effects on pretreatment viral load, rate of CD4(+) T-cell decline and progression to AIDS among adult HIV-1-infected patients within the Western Australian HIV Study Cohort. In this study, carriage of KIR genes within the 'B' haplotype (eg KIR2DS2) was specifically associated with a more rapid CD4(+) T-cell decline over time and progression to AIDS. In contrast, KIR gene repertoire had no effect on pretreatment viral load while selected HLA alleles (eg HLA-B*5701, HLA-B*2705) demonstrated significant protective effects on viremia. Furthermore, interactions between specific HLA and KIR genes did appear to influence HIV disease progression. The results suggest that host genetic variation within the HLA and KIR gene complexes have clinically relevant effects on the course of HIV-1/AIDS, acting independently as well as synergistically to modify disease progression at multiple levels.

• Authors: S Gaudieri, D DeSantis, E McKinnon, C Moore, D Nolan, C S Witt, S A Mallal, F T Christiansen
• Journal: Genes and immunity (Genes Immun) Vol. 6 Issue 8 Pg. 683-90 (Dec 2005) ISSN: 1466-4879 [Print] England
• PMID: 16121209 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Genetic Markers
• HLA Antigens
• Receptors, Immunologic

Topics

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (genetics, immunology, virology)
• Adult
• Alleles
• Australia (epidemiology)
• CD4 Lymphocyte Count
• CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes
• Cohort Studies
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Disease Progression
• Female
• Genetic Markers
• HIV Seropositivity (genetics, immunology, virology)
• HIV-1 (immunology, physiology)
• HLA Antigens (genetics, immunology)
• Haplotypes
• Humans
• Killer Cells, Natural (immunology, virology)
• Linear Models
• Longitudinal Studies
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Multivariate Analysis
• Receptors, Immunologic (genetics)
• Survival Analysis
• Viral Load
• Viremia (genetics, immunology, virology)
• White People