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Influence of HIV‐1 V2 sequence variability on bacterial translocation in antiretroviral naïve HIV‐1 infected patients
Author(s) -
Balena Flavia,
Bavaro Davide F.,
Volpe Anna,
Lagioia Antonella,
Angarano Gioacchino,
Monno Laura,
Saracino Annalisa
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of medical virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1096-9071
pISSN - 0146-6615
DOI - 10.1002/jmv.26246
Subject(s) - immune system , biology , chromosomal translocation , tripeptide , virology , immunology , lipopolysaccharide , peptide , biochemistry , gene
HIV‐1 V2 domain binds α4β7, which assists lymphocyte homing to gut‐associated lymphoid tissue. This triggers bacterial translocation, thus contributing to immune activation. We investigated whether variability of V2 179‐181 binding site could influence plasma levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and soluble cluster of differentiation 14 (sCD14), markers of microbial translocation/immune activation. HIV gp120 sequences from antiretroviral naïve patients were analyzed for V2 tripeptide composition, length, net charge, and potential N‐linked‐glycosylation sites. LPS and sCD14 plasma levels were quantified. Clinical/immuno‐virologic data were retrieved. Overall, 174 subjects were enrolled, 8% with acute infection, 71% harboring a subtype B. LDV 179‐181 was detected in 41% and LDI in 27%. No difference was observed between levels of LPS or sCD14 according to different mimotopes or according to other sequence characteristics. By multivariable analysis, only acute infection was significantly associated with higher sCD14 levels. In conclusion, no association was observed between V2 tripeptide composition and extent of bacterial translocation/immune activation.