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Subtype AD Recombinant HIV-1 Transmitted/Founder Viruses Are Less Sensitive to Type I Interferons than Subtype D
Denis Omara1,2, Fortunate Natwijuka1,2, Anne Kapaata2
1Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7062, Uganda.
Transmitted/founder HIV-1 (TF) variants show differential resistance to type 1 interferons (IFN-I). Recombinant AD subtypes are more resistant than subtype D, suggesting IFN-I as a potential therapeutic strategy against TF viruses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Initial interactions between HIV-1 and the immune system at mucosal sites determine infection outcome.
- Type 1 interferons (IFN-I) are rapidly induced following mucosal HIV-1 transmission.
- Resistance of transmitted/founder (TF) HIV-1 variants to IFN-I is known for subtypes B and C, but not D and AD recombinant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the sensitivity of HIV-1 subtype D and AD recombinant TF viruses to IFN-I.
- To explore the potential of IFN-I as a therapeutic strategy against TF viruses.
Main Methods:
- Infecting peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro with HIV-1 subtype D and AD recombinant TF viruses.
- Exposing cells to varying concentrations of interferon-α (IFN-α) and interferon-β (IFN-β).
- Measuring viral replicative capacity using HIV-1 p24 antigen ELISA.
Main Results:
- Interferon-α was more effective than interferon-β in inhibiting viral replication.
- HIV-1 recombinant AD viruses demonstrated greater resistance to IFN-I compared to subtype D viruses.
- Differential sensitivity of TF viruses to IFN-I was observed based on subtype.
Conclusions:
- HIV-1 subtypes AD recombinant and D TF viruses exhibit differential sensitivity to IFN-I.
- IFN-I holds potential as a therapeutic strategy to target TF viruses and reduce HIV-1 transmission, especially in regions with subtype D prevalence.
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