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A Restriction Enzyme Based Cloning Method to Assess the In vitro Replication Capacity of HIV-1 Subtype C Gag-MJ4 Chimeric Viruses

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The HIV-1 transmission bottleneck.

Samuel Mundia Kariuki^1,2,3, Philippe Selhorst⁴, Kevin K Ariën^5,6

¹Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Falmouth 3.25, University of Cape Town, Anzio Rd, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.

|March 25, 2017

Summary

Most new Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) infections originate from a few founder viruses. Transmission involves multiple selective steps, not just mucosal barrier crossing, shaping the initial infection.

Keywords:

Bottleneck Genital mucosa HIV-1 Intravenous drug user Transmission

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Area of Science:

Virology
Infectious Diseases
Immunology

Background:

Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) systemic infections typically originate from a limited number of founder viruses.
These founder viruses are often minor populations in the donor's blood, suggesting selection beyond initial transmission.

Discussion:

Selection may occur at multiple stages: donor circulation to genital tract, survival in transmission fluids, and local infection establishment.
The limited number of founder viruses in intravenous drug users also suggests post-transmission bottlenecks.

Key Insights:

Transmission bottlenecks significantly narrow the viral population from donor to recipient.
Selection pressures are not fully defined but likely act at various stages of early infection.
Stochastic events also contribute to founder virus pool narrowing.

Outlook:

Further research is needed to identify specific selective forces at each transmission stage.
Understanding these bottlenecks can inform strategies to prevent or control HIV-1 transmission.
Investigating the interplay between selection and stochasticity is crucial for a complete picture of early HIV-1 infection.