Journal
AIDS RESEARCH AND HUMAN RETROVIRUSES
Volume 25, Issue 3, Pages 237-248Publisher
MARY ANN LIEBERT, INC
DOI: 10.1089/aid.2008.0219
Keywords
-
Categories
Funding
- NIH [R01-AI-58706]
- NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES [R01AI058706] Funding Source: NIH RePORTER
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) group M is responsible for the current AIDS pandemic and exhibits exceedingly high levels of viral genetic diversity around the world, necessitating categorization of viruses into distinct lineages, or subtypes. These subtypes can differ by around 35% in the envelope (Env) glycoproteins of the virus, which are displayed on the surface of the virion and are targets for both neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immune responses. This diversity reflects the remarkable ability of the virus to adapt to selective pressures, the bulk of which is applied by the host immune response, and represents a serious obstacle for developing an effective vaccine with broad coverage. Thus, it is important to understand the underlying biological consequences of intersubtype diversity. Recent studies have revealed that some of the HIV-1 subtypes exhibit phenotypic differences stemming from subtle changes in Env structure, particularly within the highly immunogenic V3 domain, which participates directly in viral entry. This review will therefore explore current research that describes subtype differences in Env at the genetic and phenotypic level, focusing in particular on V3, and highlighting recent discoveries about the unique features of subtype C Env, which is the most globally prevalent subtype.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available