Breast milk and in utero transmission of HIV-1 select for envelope variants with unique molecular signatures.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) poses a serious health threat in developing countries, and adequate interventions are as yet unrealized. HIV-1 infection is frequently initiated by a single founder viral variant, but the factors that influence particular variant selection are poorly understood.

Results

Our analysis of 647 full-length HIV-1 subtype C and G viral envelope sequences from 22 mother-infant pairs reveals unique genotypic and phenotypic signatures that depend upon transmission route. Relative to maternal strains, intrauterine HIV transmission selects infant variants that have shorter, less-glycosylated V1 loops that are more resistant to soluble CD4 (sCD4) neutralization. Transmission through breastfeeding selec

SUBMITTER: Nakamura KJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5267468 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature