Immune escape mutations in HIV-1 controllers in the Brazilian Amazon region

Abstract

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection is characterized by high viral replication and a decrease in CD4 + T cells (CD4 + TC), resulting in AIDS, which can lead to death. In elite controllers and viremia controllers, viral replication is naturally controlled, with maintenance of CD4 + TC levels without the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: The aim of the present study was to describe virological and immunological risk factors among HIV-1infected individuals according to characteristics of progression to AIDS. The sample included 30 treatment-naive patients classified into three groups based on infection duration (> 6 years), CD4 + TC count and viral load: (i) 2 elite controllers (ECs), (ii) 7 viremia controllers (VCs) and (iii) 21 nonviremia controllers (NVCs). Nested PCR was employed to amplify the virus genome, which was later sequenced using the Ion PGM platform for subtyping and analysis of immune escape mutations. Results: Viral samples were classified as HIV-1 subtypes B and F. Greater selection pressure on mutations was observed in the group of viremia controllers, with a higher frequency of immunological escape mutations in the genes investigated, including two new mutations in gag. The viral sequences of viremia controllers and nonviremia controllers did not differ significantly regarding the presence of immune escape mutations. Conclusion: The results suggest that progression to AIDS is not dependent on a single variable but rather on a set of characteristics and pressures exerted by virus biology and interactions with immunogenetic host factors.

The Epidemiological Impact of STIs among General and Vulnerable Populations of the Amazon Region of Brazil: 30 years of Surveillance

“…The investigation of circulating virus showed higher selection pressure on mutations among the virus controllers and a higher frequency of immunological escape mutations in the genes investigated ( gag , nef , rev , tat ), with the description of two new mutations in gag . In conclusion, progression to AIDS is a result of the sum of characteristics and pressures exerted by the virus and the interactions with the host immunogenetic characteristics [ 74 ].…”

HIV Infection and Oral Manifestations: An Update

“…In the acute phase, the CD4+ T cell count decreases dramatically, while the serum levels of viral particles rise proportionally, which is usually of short duration because the host begins to generate humoral and cellular immune responses that partially control viral replication [55,56]. And as the specific immune response progresses, primarily mediated by cytotoxic CD8+ T cells that produce the initial control of viral replication at this stage of infection, viremia tends to decrease until it reaches stable or undetectable levels signaling the beginning of the chronic phase [57][58][59].…”