HIV-1 DNA sequence diversity and evolution during acute subtype C infection

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10659-2
• Publication Date: 2019-06-21T10:02:56Z
• Authors: Guinevere Q. Lee; Kavidha Reddy; Kevin B. Einkauf; Kamini Gounder; Joshua M. Chevalier; Krista L. Dong; Bruce D. Walker; Xu G. Yu; Thumbi Ndung’u; Mathias Lichterfeld
• Keywords: Sequence (biology)

Abstract Little is known about the genotypic make-up of HIV-1 DNA genomes during earliest stages infection. Here, we use near-full-length, single genome next-generation sequencing to longitudinally genotype and quantify subtype C in four women identified acute infection Durban, South Africa, through twice-weekly screening high-risk participants. In contrast chronically HIV-1-infected patients, found that at phases these participants, majority viral are intact, lack APOBEC-3G/F-associated hypermutations, have limited truncations, over one year show little indication cytotoxic T cell-driven immune selections. Viral sequence divergence predominantly fueled by single-base substitutions treatment initiation disease. Our observations provide rare longitudinal insights profiles first inform future HIV cure research.