nef gene sequence variation among HIV-1-infected African children.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

There are few data on African children infected with nonclade B HIV-1 in endemic settings, which limits generalizations about pathogenesis and progression. Genotypic and phenotypic variations in host immunogenetics and HIV-1 negative factor (nef) accessory protein may influence disease progression and have frequently been characterized in subjects infected with clade B HIV-1.

METHODS:

In this descriptive study, we report nef gene sequence variation and host genetic polymorphisms in 32 Kenyan children, including 12 slow progressors.

RESULTS:

Phylogenetic analysis identified HIV-1 clades A, C and D and a recombinant A/D subtype. Grossly defective nef genes or significant changes from relevant clade reference sequences were not identified in children with delayed disease progression.

CONCLUSIONS:

nef sequence variations may not be common in perinatally infected African children. Further studies are warranted in HIV-1-infected subjects in settings where infection is endemic.

• Authors: R Chakraborty, M Reinis, T Rostron, S Philpott, T Dong, A D'Agostino, R Musoke, E Silva, M Stumpf, B Weiser, H Burger, S L Rowland-Jones
• Journal: HIV medicine (HIV Med) Vol. 7 Issue 2 Pg. 75-84 (Mar 2006) ISSN: 1464-2662 [Print] England
• PMID: 16420252 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Amino Acid Sequence
• CD4 Lymphocyte Count
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Disease Progression
• Female
• Genes, MHC Class I
• Genes, nef (genetics)
• HIV Infections (genetics, immunology, virology)
• HIV Long-Term Survivors
• HIV-1 (classification, genetics)
• Humans
• Infant
• Male
• Molecular Sequence Data
• Phylogeny
• Polymorphism, Genetic
• Sequence Alignment
• Sequence Analysis, DNA (methods)
• Viral Load