HIV-1 evolved from its progenitor SIV strains, but details are lacking on its adaptation to the human host. We followed the evolution of SIVcpz in humanized mice to mimic cross-species transmission. Increasing viral loads, CD4+ T-cell decline, and non-synonymous mutations were seen in the entire genome reflecting viral adaptation.
Keywords: SIVcpz evolution into HIV-1; SIVcpz pathogenesis in humanized mice; cross-species transmission of SIV; modeling SIV evolution using humanized mice; viral evolution of SIVcpzEK505 into HIV-1.
© 2019 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.