Variable contexts and levels of hypermutation in HIV-1 proviral genomes recovered from primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Virology. 2008 Jun 20;376(1):101-11. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2008.03.017. Epub 2008 Apr 24.

Abstract

APOBEC-mediated cytidine deamination of HIV-1 genomes during reverse transcription has been shown to be a potent mechanism of host restriction for HIV-1 infection ex vivo and in vitro. However, this defense system can be overcome by the viral protein Vif. Unlike other mechanisms of host restriction, the APOCEC-Vif interaction leaves an imprint on integrated proviruses in the form of G-->A hypermutation. In the current work we systematically studied levels, contexts, and patterns of HIV-1 hypermutation in vivo. The analysis of 24 full-genome HIV-1 sequences retrieved from primary PBMCs, representing infections with several HIV-1 clades, and the inclusion of 7 cognate pairs of hypermutated/non-hypermutated sequences derived from the same patient sample, provided a comprehensive view of the characteristics of APOBEC-mediated restriction in vivo. Levels of hypermutation varied nearly 5-fold among the studied proviruses. GpG motifs were most frequently affected (22/24 proviruses). Levels of hypermutation varied across the genome. The reported "twin peak" pattern of hypermutation was observed in 18/24 hypermutants, but the remainder exhibited singular non-conforming patterns. These data suggest considerable complexity in the interplay of host restriction and viral defense during HIV-1 infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Blood / virology*
  • Genome, Viral
  • HIV Infections / virology*
  • HIV-1 / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / virology*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutation
  • Proviruses / genetics*
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA

Associated data

  • GENBANK/EF165359
  • GENBANK/EF165360
  • GENBANK/EF165361
  • GENBANK/EF165362
  • GENBANK/EF165363
  • GENBANK/EF165364
  • GENBANK/EF165365
  • GENBANK/EF165366