HIV-1 Subtype A Gag Variability and Epitope Evolution

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093415
• Publication Date: 2014-06-03T20:20:14Z
• Authors: Syed Hani Abidi; Marcia L. Kalish; Farhat Abbas; Sarah Rowland-Jones; Syed Ali
• Keywords: Group-specific antigen

The aim of this study was to examine the course time-dependent evolution HIV-1 subtype A on a global level, especially with respect dynamics immunogenic HIV gag epitopes.We used total 1,893 sequences representing timeline from 1985 through 2010, and 19 different countries in Africa, Europe Asia. phylogenetic relationship its epidemic analysed Maximum Likelihood tree Bayesian Skyline plot, genomic variability measured terms G → substitutions Shannon entropy, epitopes examined. Finally, confirm observations globally reported sequences, we epitope data our Kenyan, Pakistani, Afghan cohorts, where both cohort-specific gene HLA restriction profiles were examined.The most recent common ancestor estimated be 1956 ± 1. period exponential growth began about 1980 lasted for approximately 7 years, stabilized 15 declined 2-3 then again 2004. During evolution, gradual increase observed that peaked 2005-2010. We number point mutations novel also concurrently during 2005-2010.It appears as spread globally, changing population immunogenetic pressures may have played role steering immune-evolution new directions. This trend is apparent diversity sequences.