Different evolutionary pathways of HIV-1 between fetus and mother perinatal transmission pairs indicate unique immune selection in fetuses.

ABSTRACT: Study of evolution and selection pressure on HIV-1 in fetuses will lead to a better understanding of the role of immune responses in shaping virus evolution and vertical transmission. Detailed genetic analyses of HIV-1 env gene from 12 in utero transmission pairs show that most infections (67%) occur within 2 months of childbirth. In addition, the env sequences from long-term-infected fetuses are highly divergent and form separate phylogenetic lineages from their cognate maternal viruses. Host-selection sites unique to neonate viruses are identified in regions frequently targeted by neutralizing antibodies and T cell immune responses. Identification of unique selection sites in the env gene of fetal viruses indicates that the immune system in fetuses is capable

SUBMITTER: Marichannegowda MH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8324465 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature