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

Journal article

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: Chakraborty, R; Reinis, M; Rostron, T; Philpott, S; Dong, T

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: HIV medicine
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 75-84
• Publication date: 2006-03-01
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1293.2006.00341.x
• EISSN: 1468-1293
• ISSN: 1464-2662
• Language: English
• Keywords: HIV Long-Term Survivors; Humans; Sequence Alignment; Viral Load; Infant; Male; Disease Progression; Child; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Child, Preschool; Molecular Sequence Data; Genes, MHC Class I; Amino Acid Sequence; Genes, nef; Polymorphism, Genetic; Phylogeny; HIV Infections; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Female; Adolescent; HIV-1