HIV gp120 sequence variability associated with HAND in Hispanic Women

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Neuroscience
• Immunology

Background:

• HIV-1 variants exhibit diverse tropisms, influencing neuropathologies.
• The relationship between specific viral env sequences and neuropathology requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if unique HIV-1 env gene sequences correlate with neurocognitive status.
• To determine the association between HIV-1 envelope gene sequence changes and cognition in infected individuals.

Main Methods:

• Viral RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HIV-1 infected Hispanic women.
• Subjects were characterized for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND).

Main Results:

• Increased sequence diversity in the C2V4 region of HIV gp120 correlated with cognition status.
• Subjects with normal cognition had less sequence diversity compared to those with cognitive impairment.
• Differences in V3 and V4 loop charges and N-glycosylation of the V4 region were observed.

Conclusions:

• The genetic signature within the C2V4 region of HIV env may contribute to HAND pathogenesis.
• HIV env sequence characteristics can offer prognostic value for assessing neurocognitive status in HIV-positive individuals, especially with milder HAND forms.