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HIV-2 EHO isolate has a divergent envelope gene and induces single cell killing by apoptosis
M A Rey-Cuille1, J Galabru, A Laurent-Crawford
1Department of AIDS and Retroviruses, UA CNRS 1157, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
Virology
|July 1, 1994
Summary
A novel human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) isolate, HIV-2 EHO, was identified in Ivory Coast. This highly infectious strain causes cell death via apoptosis and shows significant genetic divergence, suggesting it is a distinct HIV-2 prototype.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) is a significant global health concern.
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic condition caused by HIV infection.
- Understanding HIV-2 diversity is crucial for developing effective diagnostics and therapeutics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a novel HIV-2 isolate, designated HIV-2 EHO, obtained from an AIDS patient in Ivory Coast.
- To investigate the biological and genetic properties of HIV-2 EHO.
- To determine if HIV-2 EHO represents a distinct viral prototype.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of HIV-2 EHO from an Ivory Coast patient.
- Infection of CD4 expressing cells to assess cytopathic effect.
- Nucleotide sequence analysis of the HIV-2 EHO genome, focusing on the envelope gene.
- Deduced amino acid sequence comparison with known HIV-2 strains.
Main Results:
- HIV-2 EHO was isolated from an AIDS patient.
- The virus exhibited high infectivity and induced apoptosis, leading to single-cell killing in CD4+ cells.
- Significant genetic divergence (26-30% in the extracellular envelope glycoprotein) was observed compared to other HIV-2 strains.
Conclusions:
- HIV-2 EHO possesses unique genetic and biological characteristics.
- The observed divergence supports the classification of HIV-2 EHO as a distinct prototype within the HIV-2 family.
- Further research into HIV-2 EHO may provide insights into viral evolution and pathogenesis.