Elsevier

Virology

Volume 347, Issue 2, 10 April 2006, Pages 247-260
Virology

HIV-1 subtype C in vitro growth and coreceptor utilization

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.virol.2005.11.047Get rights and content
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Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtype C (HIV-1C) accounts for about 50% of all HIV infections in the pandemic and is the predominant subtype in the heavily burdened region of southern Africa. HIV-1C possesses unique genetic and phenotypic features that might be associated with biological differences compared to other subtypes. Here, we generated virus isolates from individuals at different stages of HIV-1C infection and investigated the chemokine receptor repertoire that the derived HIV-1C isolates may utilize for entry. Our results show that the R5 phenotype predominates among viruses in Botswana, with a lesser contribution of viruses showing the dualtropic X4R5 phenotype. No viruses of pure X4 phenotype were found, which suggests no discernable evolution of HIV-1C to a monotropic X4 phenotype as the epidemic ages in Botswana. Usage of other coreceptors was rare and apparently insignificant. These results enhance our understanding of HIV-1C biology, with implications for designing and testing therapeutic and prophylactic agents.

Keywords

HIV-1C
Coreceptors
Botswana
Phenotype
Genotype
Viral isolation

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