Characterization of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope variation and neutralizing antibody responses during transmission of HIV-1 subtype B

J Virol. 2005 May;79(10):6523-7. doi: 10.1128/JVI.79.10.6523-6527.2005.

Abstract

We analyzed neutralization sensitivity and genetic variation of transmitted subtype B human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in eight recently infected men who have sex with men and the virus from the six subjects who infected them. In contrast to reports of heterosexual transmission of subtype C HIV-1, in which the transmitted virus appears to be more neutralization sensitive, we demonstrate that in our study population, relatively few phenotypic changes in neutralization sensitivity or genotypic changes in envelope occurred during transmission of subtype B HIV-1. We suggest that limited genetic variation within the infecting host reduces the likelihood of selective transmission of neutralization-sensitive HIV.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Disease Transmission, Infectious
  • Genetic Variation
  • HIV Antibodies / blood
  • HIV Antibodies / immunology*
  • HIV Infections / blood
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • HIV Infections / virology*
  • HIV-1 / genetics*
  • HIV-1 / immunology*
  • Homosexuality, Male
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neutralization Tests
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • HIV Antibodies
  • Viral Envelope Proteins