Conserved positive selection signals in gp41 across multiple subtypes and difference in selection signals detectable in gp41 sequences sampled during acute and chronic HIV-1 subtype C infection.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The high diversity of HIV variants driving the global AIDS epidemic has caused many to doubt whether an effective vaccine against the virus is possible. However, by identifying the selective forces that are driving the ongoing diversification of HIV and characterising their genetic consequences, it may be possible to design vaccines that pre-empt some of the virus' more common evasion tactics. One component of such vaccines might be the envelope protein, gp41. Besides being targeted by both the humoral and cellular arms of the immune system this protein mediates fusion between viral and target cell membranes and is likely to be a primary determinant of HIV transmissibility.

Results

Using recombination aware analysis tools we compared site specific signals of selec

SUBMITTER: Bandawe GP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2630941 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature