Publication Abstract Display
Type: Poster
Title: Genetic features of cerebrospinal fluid-derived subtype B HIV-1tat.
Authors: Choi JY, Heaton R, Grant I, Marcotte T, Ellis R, Letendre R, Marra C, Clifford D, Richman D, Smith D, and the CHARTER Group
Date: 03-05-2012
Abstract:Sixty-one individuals enrolled in the CNS HIV Antiretroviral Therapy Effects Research (CHARTER) cohort between 2002 and 2009 were examined. We generated population-based HIV-1 tat sequences from CSF and blood from 60 HIV-1 subtype B infected individuals and evaluated these data using a battery of phylogenetic, statistical and machine learning tools. All subjects completed a detailed neuropsychological assessment measuring their functioning in 7 cognitive domains known to be commonly affected by HIV. To classify presence and severity of neurocognitive impairment, we applied the Frascati criteria for diagnosing HAND, which requires presence of at least mild impairment in at least 2 of the 7 ability domains. Conclusions These data suggest that specific HIV-1 features of tat influence neurotropism and neurocognitive impairment. The biological significance of the 5905 mutation is unclear, but this study provides evidence that it is associated with neurotropism or neurovirulence, and should be evaluated in vitro mutagenesis studies.

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