Differences in neutralizing antibody sensitivities and envelope characteristics indicate distinct antigenic properties of Nigerian HIV-1 subtype G and CRF02_AG

Virol J. 2024 Jun 29;21(1):148. doi: 10.1186/s12985-024-02394-y.

Abstract

The magnitude of the HIV-1 epidemic in Nigeria is second only to the subtype C epidemic in South Africa, yet the subtypes prevalent in Nigeria require further characterization. A panel of 50 subtype G and 18 CRF02_AG Nigerian HIV-1 pseudoviruses (PSV) was developed and envelope coreceptor usage, neutralization sensitivity and cross-clade reactivity were characterized. These PSV were neutralized by some antibodies targeting major neutralizing determinants, but potentially important differences were observed in specific sensitivities (eg. to sCD4, MPER and V2/V3 monoclonal antibodies), as well as in properties such as variable loop lengths, number of potential N-linked glycans and charge, demonstrating distinct antigenic characteristics of CRF02_AG and subtype G. There was preferential neutralization of the matched CRF/subtype when PSV from subtype G or CRF02_AG were tested using pooled plasma. These novel Nigerian PSV will be useful to study HIV-1 CRF- or subtype-specific humoral immune responses for subtype G and CRF02_AG.

Keywords: Antibody; CRF02_AG; Envelope (Env); HIV; Neutralization; Nigeria; Subtype G; West Africa.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing* / blood
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing* / immunology
  • Cross Reactions / immunology
  • HIV Antibodies* / blood
  • HIV Antibodies* / immunology
  • HIV Infections* / immunology
  • HIV Infections* / virology
  • HIV-1* / classification
  • HIV-1* / genetics
  • HIV-1* / immunology
  • Humans
  • Neutralization Tests*
  • Nigeria
  • env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / genetics
  • env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • HIV Antibodies
  • env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus