Retrovirology (Jan 2013)

Attenuation of multiple Nef functions in HIV-1 elite controllers

  • Mwimanzi Philip,
  • Markle Tristan J,
  • Martin Eric,
  • Ogata Yoko,
  • Kuang Xiaomei T,
  • Tokunaga Michiyo,
  • Mahiti Macdonald,
  • Pereyra Florencia,
  • Miura Toshiyuki,
  • Walker Bruce D,
  • Brumme Zabrina L,
  • Brockman Mark A,
  • Ueno Takamasa

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-4690-10-1
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 1
p. 1

Abstract

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Abstract Background Impaired HIV-1 Gag, Pol, and Env function has been described in elite controllers (EC) who spontaneously suppress plasma viremia to Results In general, EC Nef clones were functional; however, all five activities were significantly lower in EC compared to CP. Nef clones from HLA-B*57-expressing EC exhibited poorer CD4 down-regulation function compared to those from non-B*57 EC, and the number of EC-specific B*57-associated Nef polymorphisms correlated inversely with 4 of 5 Nef functions in these individuals. Conclusion Results indicate that decreased HIV-1 Nef function, due in part to host immune selection pressures, may be a hallmark of the EC phenotype.

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