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Characterization of a Novel HIV-1 Circulating Recombinant Form, CRF01_AE/B'/C (CRF96_cpx), in Yunnan, China
Jing Miao1, Jieyu Ran1, Yindi Song1
11 Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology , Kunming, China .
Insights
A new complex form of HIV-1, CRF96_cpx, has been identified in China, featuring a mix of B
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Complex recombinations of HIV-1 genotypes B', C, and CRF01_AE are increasingly prevalent in Yunnan, China.
- HIV-1 genetic diversity poses challenges for prevention and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a novel complex circulating recombinant form (CRF) of HIV-1, designated CRF96_cpx, identified in China.
- To investigate the genetic origins and phylogenetic distinctiveness of CRF96_cpx.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis using near full-length HIV-1 genomes.
- Subregion phylogenetic analysis to trace the origins of genetic segments.
- Characterization of recombination patterns and breakpoints.
Main Results:
- A novel HIV-1 CRF, CRF96_cpx, composed of B', C, and CRF01_AE genotypes, was identified in three individuals.
- CRF96_cpx forms a distinct monophyletic cluster, separate from known HIV-1 subtypes/CRFs.
- The CRF96_cpx genome has a CRF01_AE backbone with inserted segments of B' (from Thai lineage) and C (from Indian lineage) in gag and pol regions.
Conclusions:
- CRF96_cpx represents a unique HIV-1 recombinant form with distinct genetic origins and structural characteristics.
- Continuous monitoring of HIV-1 genetic diversity and complexity in Yunnan, China, is crucial for effective public health interventions.
Abstract:
Currently, complex HIV-1 recombinations among the B', C, and CRF01_AE genotypes have frequently arisen in Yunnan, China. A novel HIV-1 complex circulating recombinant form (CRF) consisting of B', C, and CRF01_AE (CRF96_cpx) was recently characterized from three epidemiologically unlinked individuals. Two strains of them were isolated from the injecting drug users in this study, the remaining one strain (JL. RL01) was obtained from a previous report in Jilin province. Phylogenetic analysis based on near full-length genome revealed that CRF96_cpx formed a distinct monophyletic cluster supported by a high bootstrap value of 100%, distantly related to all known HIV-1 subtypes/CRFs. CRF96_cpx had a CRF01_AE backbone with three subtype B' and C segments inserted, respectively, in the gag and pol region. Furthermore, subregion tree analysis showed that CRF01_AE backbone and subtype B segment inserted originated from a Thai-CRF01_AE lineage, whereas subtype C fragment inserted was from an India C lineage. They are different from previously documented CRF01_AE/B/C forms in its distinct backbone, inserted fragment size, and breakpoints. This highlighted the importance of continual monitoring of genetic diversity and complexity of HIV-1 strains in Yunnan, China.
