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Phylogenetic analysis of env, gag, and tat genes of HIV type 1 detected among the injecting drug users in West Bengal, India.

A recent occurrence of HIV-1 seropositivity among a group of injecting drug users (IDUs) in Darjeeling, a hilly district in northern West Bengal, revealed overall 11.8% HIV seroprevalence. Our study based on env (C2-V3), gag (p24-p7), and tat (exon-1) genomic regions of HIV-1 detected among this population showed that Darjeeling IDU sequences belonged to subtype C. Interestingly, the IDU sequences from Darjeeling were again found to be closer to the C strains from Manipur, a northeastern state in India, which is linked to the Golden Triangle via the Manipur-Myanmar border, rather than the IDU C sequences from Nepal, a neighboring country of India. The outgroup reference strains from different sites of IDU-driven epidemics in the world like Russia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Spain belonged to the nonsubtype C group and formed separate clusters from the subtype C cluster in our analysis. These results indicate a rapid spread of HIV-1 by possible drug trafficking along international boundaries, which might also help in the invasion of HIV-1 among IDUs of Darjeeling through the Manipur-Myanmar border of India.

Genes, env↗

Ribozyme-mediated cleavage of an HIV-1 gag RNA: the effects of nontargeted sequences and secondary structure on ribozyme cleavage activity.

Catalytic antisense RNAs, or ribozymes, have great potential as inhibitors of gene expression and as antiviral therapeutic agents. The major advantage of ribozymes versus standard antisense RNAs is their catalytic capability, enabling these RNAs to cleave multiple substrates. We have been investigating the antiviral activity of ribozymes targeted to the HIV-1 genome. The successful use of these antisense agents in an intracellular milieu requires stabilization of the ribozymes by flanking, non-base-pairing sequences, or some modification of the sugar-phosphate backbone. We describe a systematic investigation of the effects of flanking, non-base-pairing sequences on the catalytic activity of an anti-HIV-1 gag ribozyme embedded in radically different transcripts. Amazingly, these complex ribozyme-containing transcripts maintain substantial catalytic activity. Finally, we describe a bacterial gene fusion system that has potential for the large scale production of catalytically active ribozymes.

Base Sequence↗

Natural selection on the gag, pol, and env genes of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1).

Natural selection on polymorphic protein-coding loci of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), the more geographically widespread of the two viruses causing human acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), was studied by estimating the rates of nucleotide substitution per site in comparisons among alleles classified in families of related alleles on the basis of a phylogenetic analysis. In the case of gag, pol, and gp41, the rate of synonymous substitution generally exceeded that of nonsynonymous substitution, indicating that these genes are subject to purifying selection. However, in the case of several of the variable (V) regions of the gp120 gene, especially V2 and V3, comparisons within and between families often showed a significantly higher rate of nonsynonymous than of synonymous nucleotide substitution. This pattern of nucleotide substitution indicates that positive Darwinian selection has acted to diversify these regions at the amino acid level. The V regions have been identified as probable epitopes for antibody recognition; therefore, avoidance of such recognition seems likely to be the basis for positive selection on these regions. By contrast, regions of HIV-1 proteins identified as epitopes for T cell recognition show no evidence of positive selection and are often highly conserved at the amino acid level. These results suggest that selection favoring avoidance of T cell recognition has not been a major factor in the history of HIV-1 and thus that avoidance of T cell recognition is not likely to be a major factor in the pathogenesis of AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Epitope location of 13 anti-gag HIV-1 monoclonal antibodies using oligopeptides and their cross reactivity with HIV-2.

A series of 15-mer oligopeptides which overlapped by five amino acids (AA) across the p24 of HIV-1SF2 and a similar series across the p18 of HIV-1SF2 were used to identify the locations of 13 anti-gag monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Three anti-p24 MAbs recognized sequences within the first 50 AA of the amino-terminal. Another anti-p24 recognized a conformational epitope in the centre of the protein and this MAb cross-reacted with two HIV-2 isolates suggesting conservation of this epitope between HIV-1 and HIV-2. One anti-p24 MAb recognized a linear sequence in the carboxy-terminal 100 AA and one p24 antibody was assumed to recognize a truly conformational epitope as it did not react with any of the linear peptides. Four anti-p18 MAbs were located at the carboxy-terminus of p18 with another MAb mapping slightly inwards from the carboxy-terminus and one anti-p18 MAb failed to bind to the p18 peptides. The carboxy-terminal distribution of the p18 MAbs indicated a highly immunogenic nature for this region in mice. None of the anti-p18 MAbs showed cross-reactivity with HIV-2 isolates, confirming the greater sequence variability of p18 over p24.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular cloning of the closed circular provirus of human T cell leukaemia virus type I: a new open reading frame in the gag-pol region.

A DNA clone of human T cell leukaemia virus type I (HTLV-I) was isolated from extrachromosomal closed circular copies in chronically infected promyelocytic leukaemia HL60 cells. The new HTLV-I isolate had an intact reading frame in the gag-pol region which could encode protein of 234 amino acids. This open reading frame has not been observed in previous HTLV-I isolates, although similar open reading frames have been reported in the corresponding locations in the related bovine leukaemia virus and HTLV type II. We consider that this open reading frame codes for the virus-encoded protease, on the basis of the homology of the predicted amino acid sequence with those of previously identified retrovirus proteases.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of gag precursor of equine infectious anaemia virus with monoclonal antibodies to the major viral core protein, p26.

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against the major core protein p26 of equine infectious anaemia virus (EIAV) were produced and characterized. Sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot immunoassay were employed to confirm the specificity of these MAbs. Western blot analysis also indicated that MAbs to p26 reacted with another EIAV protein of 55,000 apparent Mr (designated here as Pr55gag) present in density gradient-purified virus preparations. Rabbit antiserum prepared against p26 as well as MAbs to p26 detected Pr55gag and several other intermediate clevage products in detergent-soluble lysates of virus-infected cells in Western blot and immunoprecipitation assays. The results suggest that Pr55gag is the gag polyprotein of EIAV.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Monoclonal antibodies directed against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gag proteins with specificity for conserved epitopes in HIV-1, HIV-2 and simian immunodeficiency virus.

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were raised against gag proteins of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), strain HTLV-IIIB. One of 29 antibodies was specific for p17 of HIV-1. Twenty of 28 MAbs reactive with the major core protein p24 of HIV-1 showed cross-reactivity with HIV-2, and five of these also detected the corresponding antigens of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac). The MAbs were reactive in several tests, i.e. ELISA, immunostaining of Western blots, immunofluorescence, alkaline phosphatase-anti-alkaline phosphatase immunocytochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy. The submembrane protein p17 was clearly localized within the virion.

Animals↗

Characterization of two monoclonal antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus gag gene products and their application in an assay to evaluate neutralizing antibody activity.

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) 3B7 and 1C11 were produced against the gag gene products of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). These MAbs reacted strongly with FIV p24 in Western blots (immunoblots) and recognized p50 with a lower intensity. They specifically bound antigens in the cytoplasm of FIV-infected cells as determined by indirect immunofluorescence and immunocytochemistry. Although neither MAb inhibited viral replication in vitro, they were useful in a simple assay for the detection and quantification of infectious virus and neutralizing antibody activity. The assay utilizes Crandell feline kidney cells and requires 4 days for completion. Neutralizing antibodies in cats were detected 3 to 4 weeks after experimental infection with FIV. Antibody titres progressively increased during the first year of infection reaching high titres which were maintained 2.5 years post-infection. The MAbs produced should be valuable reagents for the monitoring of viral replication in cells or tissues from FIV-infected cats and for other in vitro applications.

Animals↗

Identification of a gag protein epitope conserved among all four groups of primate immunodeficiency viruses by using monoclonal antibodies.

Five monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were raised against the gag proteins of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) from African green monkey (SIVagmTYO-7). Two MAbs reacted with the matrix protein p17 and the other three with the core protein p24. Studies on the cross-reactivity of the MAbs revealed that the anti-p24 MAbs detected an epitope shared by the viruses belonging to the human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2)/SIVmac group and SIVagmTYO-7 and SIVagmTYO-5. The anti-p17 MAbs recognized an epitope present on all these viruses and on SIVagmTYO-1, HIV-1 and SIVmnd. This finding demonstrates for the first time that the matrix protein, p17 or p18, respectively, of all nine HIV and SIV isolates tested in this study expresses at least one conserved immunogenic epitope recognized serologically. By using synthetic peptides, this epitope was identified at the N terminus of p17. Furthermore, this epitope was analysed by multiple sequence alignments of the peptide with homologous sequences of HIV and SIV p17.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes of a cynomolgus macaque infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) mac32H-J5 recognize a nine amino acid epitope in SIV Gag p26.

A detailed analysis of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses and the identification of the proteins and epitopes they target may improve the design of immunotherapeutic interventions and provide insights into AIDS pathogenesis. Here, we identified a new CTL epitope in the SIV Gag protein, recognized by CD8+ and MHC class I-restricted CTL clones from a long-term asymptomatic cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) infected with SIVmac32H-J5. Using overlapping synthetic peptides, the optimal minimal epitope was characterized as a nine amino acid peptide representing amino acids 242-250 of p26 (SVDEQIQWM). CTL recognition was shown to be abolished by amino acid substitutions observed within homologous human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 and HIV-2 sequences.

Animals↗

Fully functional, naturally occurring and C-terminally truncated variant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Vif does not bind to HIV Gag but influences intermediate filament structure.

A variant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vif gene, vifA45-2, which encodes a protein lacking 19 amino acids at the C terminus but which is fully functional in supporting HIV replication in non-permissive cells has been described previously. By employing newly generated anti-VifA45 serum, further properties of VifA45 and its full-length counterpart, VifA45open, in comparison to Vif from HIV strain BH10 are reported in permissive HeLa and COS-7 cells. The results obtained using confocal microscopic localization studies and in vitro binding assays do not support a requirement for the direct interaction of HIV Gag with Vif. Furthermore and in contrast to previous conclusions, detergent solubility analyses do not demonstrate a role for the C terminus of Vif in mediating localization to the fraction containing cellular membrane proteins. Localization of Vif from HIV strain BH10 to perinuclear aggregates in a small fraction (about 10%) of transfected HeLa cells has been previously reported. The intermediate filament protein vimentin colocalizes to these structures. In contrast, VifA45 and VifA45open form perinuclear aggregates in nearly all transfected HeLa cells; vimentin as well as the cytoskeletal-bridging protein plectin, but not the microtubular protein tubulin, become relocalized to these structures. Interestingly, in COS-7 cells, all of the functional Vif proteins tested (Vif from strain BH10, VifA45 and VifA45open) predominantly localize in the cytoplasm but still induce dramatic aggregation of vimentin and plectin, i.e. in these cells the respective Vif proteins are influencing intermediate filament structure in the absence of colocalization.

Animals↗

Screening for CD8 cytotoxic T lymphocytes specific for Gag of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtype B' Henan isolate from China and identification of novel epitopes restricted by the HLA-A2 and HLA-A11 alleles.

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) epidemic in China is increasing rapidly at an irrepressible rate. It is caused by HIV-1 subtype B' in central China. After the full-length genome sequencing of the Henan isolate was performed, the definition of optimal cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes across the Henan isolate genome has become crucial for vaccine design. In this study, by using ELISPOT assays with synthetic peptides corresponding to the sequence of the Henan isolate, the identification and analysis of Gag-specific CTL responses among 28 treated and 26 untreated infected paid blood donors (PBDs) from the Henan and Hubei provinces of China are presented. These studies focused on CTL responses restricted by the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2 and -A11 molecules, two of the most prominent HLA-A alleles in the Chinese population. The results suggested that, in the subgroup analysis, the magnitude of response in the infected treated subgroup [median, 93 spot-forming cells (SFCs) per 10(6) peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)] was significantly lower than that in the chronically infected untreated subgroup (median, 221 SFCs per 10(6) PBMCs), and HLA-A2-restricted treated PBDs had a response of a much higher frequency and magnitude than that of HLA-A11-restricted treated PBDs. Moreover, some novel peptides restricted by the HLA-A2 and -A11 molecules were identified.

Alleles↗

X-ray crystallographic characterization of rhesus macaque MHC Mamu-A*02 complexed with an immunodominant SIV-Gag nonapeptide.

Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in the rhesus macaque is regarded as a classic animal model, playing a crucial role in HIV vaccine strategies and therapeutics by characterizing various cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses in macaque monkeys. However, the availability of well documented structural reports focusing on rhesus macaque major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) molecules remains extremely limited. Here, a complex of the rhesus macaque MHC I molecule (Mamu-A*02) with human beta2m and an immunodominant SIV-Gag nonapeptide, GESNLKSLY (GY9), has been crystallized. The crystal diffracts X-rays to 2.7 A resolution and belongs to space group C2, with unit-cell parameters a = 124.11, b = 110.45, c = 100.06 A, and contains two molecules in the asymmetric unit. The availability of the structure, which is being solved by molecular replacement, will provide new insights into rhesus macaque MHC I (Mamu-A*02) presenting pathogenic SIV peptides.

Animals↗

The pigtail macaque MHC class I allele Mane-A*10 presents an immundominant SIV Gag epitope: identification, tetramer development and implications of immune escape and reversion.

The pigtail macaque (Macaca nemestrina) is a common model for the study of AIDS. The pigtail major histocompatibility complex class I allele Mane-A*10 restricts an immunodominant simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) Gag epitope (KP9) which rapidly mutates to escape T cell recognition following acute simian/human immunodeficiency virus infection. Two technologies for the detection of Mane-A*10 in outbred pigtail macaques were developed: reference strand-mediated conformational analysis and sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction. A Mane-A*10/KP9 tetramer was then developed to quantify CD8(+) T lymphocytes primed by multigenic DNA vaccination, which have previously been difficult to detect using standard interferon-gamma-based T cell assays. We also demonstrate mutational escape at KP9 following acute SIV infection. Mane-A*10(+) animals have lower set point SIV levels than Mane-A*10(-) animals, suggesting a significant fitness cost of escape. These studies pave the way for a more robust understanding of HIV vaccines in pigtail macaques.

Alleles↗

Desensitization of the gag reflex in an adult with cerebral palsy: a case report.

Severe oral hypersensitivity and aversive oral behaviors present a significant barrier to dental treatment and compromise oral health status. Although several authors have addressed the reduction of oral hypersensitivity and aversive behaviors (such as gagging, retching, and vomiting) in the otherwise well dental patient, treatment for patients with severe disability has not been explored. The successful management of oral hypersensitivity and aversive behavior can have significant health benefits. These can be described via an outcomes paradigm as physical and social benefits for the patient, psychological benefits for the patient, carer, and practitioner, and organizational benefits for the institutions providing dental care and medical management. This paper summarizes the management of a severely disabled patient whose aversive behaviors were eliminated with non-invasive therapy techniques. Oral hygiene was facilitated and health benefits were identified across a number of domains following successful multi-disciplinary management.

Adult↗

Improvement of simultaneous detection of antibodies to Gag and envelope antigens of human T-lymphotropic virus type I by western immunoblot assay.

To determine seropositivity for human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I), we attempted to improve the detection system that uses antibody to HTLV-I Env in Western immunoblotting (WB) by adding an envelope glycoprotein (gp46) purified from the culture fluid of HTLV-I-producing cells by immunoaffinity chromatography and gel chromatography. In this WB, 177 of 179 serum samples showing seropositivity in an indirect immunofluorescence assay showed positive reactions to the gp46 envelope antigen as well as to p19, p24, and p53 Gag antigens. The remaining two samples showed negative reactions to p24. False-positive results were not found for 533 indirect immunofluorescence assay-negative serum samples, although one band to p19 or p24 was observed in 46 of the 533 samples. These 46 samples did not react to p53 and gp46, suggesting that these samples belonged to the indeterminate group in accordance with the criteria proposed by the World Health Organization. Therefore, this improved WB can be used for the confirmation of seropositivity.

Blotting, Western↗

A single-nucleotide synonymous mutation in the gag gene controlling human immunodeficiency virus type 1 virion production.

Viral factors as well as host ones play major roles in the disease progression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. We have examined cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activity and HIV-1 DNA PCR results of 312 high-risk seronegative drug users in northern Thailand and identified four seronegative cases positive for both assays. Furthermore, we have identified a synonymous mutation in nucleotide position 75 of the gag p17 gene (A426G) of HIV-1 that belongs to the CRF01_AE virus circulating in Thailand. The replication-competent HIV-1 clone containing the A426G mutation demonstrated a dramatic reduction of virion production and perturbation of viral morphogenesis without affecting viral protein synthesis in cells.

DNA, Viral↗

Purification and properties of a fifth major viral gag protein from avian sarcoma and leukemia viruses.

We have developed procedures for the purification of a 6,000-dalton protein from avian myeloblastosis virus. This protein is a major component of avian myeloblastosis virus, accounting for over 7% of total protein, and thus is equimolar with the other internal structural proteins in virions. As described in the accompanying paper (Hunter et al., J. Virol. 45:885-888, 1983), the results of N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis identify the protein as a product of the gag gene. We suggest denoting this protein as p10, according to nomenclature that is already in use for a previously identified but poorly defined low-molecular-weight protein or proteins of avian sarcoma and leukemia viruses. In virions p10 appears to be located between the core and the membrane. Several of its properties may explain why p10 has not been characterized previously. Among these are its abnormal amino acid composition, its solubility under conditions where most proteins are fixed into sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels, and the variability in its electrophoretic migration in different avian sarcoma viruses.

Alpharetrovirus↗