Phylogenetic characterization of six full-length HIV-1 subtype C molecular clones from three patients: identification of rare subtype C strains containing two NF-κB motifs in the long terminal repeat

AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 2014 Jun;30(6):586-91. doi: 10.1089/aid.2013.0275. Epub 2014 Feb 7.

Abstract

Molecular surveillance is the backbone of HIV-1 vaccinology. Full-length HIV-1 sequences are useful tools that can provide a better understanding of the epidemiology in a given region. A limited number of full-length HIV-1 sequences are available from India, where >95% of the HIV infections are due to HIV-1 subtype C (HIV-1C), which is distinct from the prototype African HIV-1C. In this study, we sequenced six full-length clones isolated from three patients. Extensive phylogenetic analyses of the full-length viral sequences using bioinformatic tools identified a separate cluster of Indian strains, thus confirming the distinct phylogenetic identity of the Indian HIV-1C. Notably, the long terminal repeat (LTR) of two of the six molecular clones contained only two NF-κB binding sites. The sequences also displayed features characteristic of HIV-1C including a Tat dicysteine motif, a shortened Rev open reading frame, and a predicted CCR5 coreceptor tropism for gp120 of three of the proviral sequences.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Binding Sites
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Computational Biology
  • Female
  • Genome, Viral*
  • Genotype
  • HIV Infections / virology*
  • HIV-1 / classification*
  • HIV-1 / genetics*
  • HIV-1 / isolation & purification
  • HIV-1 / physiology
  • Humans
  • India
  • Male
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Phylogeny*
  • RNA, Viral / genetics*
  • Receptors, HIV
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA*
  • Sequence Homology
  • Terminal Repeat Sequences
  • Virus Attachment
  • Young Adult
  • rev Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / genetics
  • tat Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / genetics

Substances

  • NF-kappa B
  • RNA, Viral
  • Receptors, HIV
  • rev Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
  • tat Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Associated data

  • GENBANK/KF766537
  • GENBANK/KF766538
  • GENBANK/KF766539
  • GENBANK/KF766540
  • GENBANK/KF766541
  • GENBANK/KF766542