Analysis of HIV-1 CRF07_BC gag p6 sequences indicating novel deletions in the central region of p6

• Published in: Archives of virology Vol. 152; no. 8; pp. 1553 - 1558
• Main Authors: Song, Y. H, Meng, Z. F, Xing, H, Ruan, Y. H, Li, X. P, Xin, R. L, Ma, P. F, Peng, H, Shao, Y
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wien Vienna : Springer-Verlag 01.08.2007; New York, NY Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; AIDS; Amino Acid Sequence; Amino acids; Biological and medical sciences; Disease control; Disease prevention; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; gag Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus; Gene Products, gag - chemistry; Gene Products, gag - genetics; Genes, gag; HIV; HIV Infections - virology; HIV-1 - classification; HIV-1 - genetics; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Humans; Infectious diseases; Microbiology; Miscellaneous; Molecular Sequence Data; Phylogeny; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Recombination, Genetic; Sequence Alignment; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Sequence Deletion; Substance Abuse, Intravenous - complications; Virology; Beijing China; United States > US; China; Germany; Virus; HIV-1 virus; Retroviridae; Deletion; Human immunodeficiency virus; Mutation; Lentivirus
• ISSN: 0304-8608; 1432-8798
• DOI: 10.1007/s00705-007-0973-6

We amplified gag sequences from 66 individuals infected with HIV-1 CRF07_BC during 2003-2005 in the Xinjiang region of China. A novel deletion of 7aa (including a KELY motif) in the central region of the CRF07_BC gag p6 domain was detected, which has not been reported in other HIV-1 subtypes. Further deletions of up to 13aa (including KQE and KELY motifs) was also found in this domain, representing the biggest natural deletion up to now. Moreover, the CD4⁺ count and viral load level indicated that 1-13aa deletions in CRF07_BC gag p6 do not have a significant effect on viral replication and fitness.