No association of HIV-1 envelope (C2-V3-C3) sequence pattern with long-term nonprogression

We previously identified a group of 10 long-term nonprogressors (LTNP) with HIV-1 infection. In this study, we have sequenced the envelope gene (C2-V3 -C3) from the 10 LTNPs and from a control group of 9 people with rapidly pr ogressing infection (RPI). The 19 individuals' CCR5 genotype and virus phen otype (i.e., syncytium-inducing/non-syncytium-inducing [SI/NSI]) were obtai ned from a previous study. A phylogenetic tree was constructed containing t he 19 envelope sequences together with 42 local control env sequences obtai ned from other studies. Analysis of the phylogenetic tree did not reveal an y relation between the envelope gene (C2-V3-C3) from LTNPs versus RPIs. Whe n data from the CCR5 genotype and the virus phenotype were assembled in the phylogenetic tree, no significant clustering was observed. From alignment of the protein sequences, we found a possible N-glycan in position aa294 in env that was conserved in only 1 of 10 LTNPs; however, it was conserved in 6 of 9 RPIs. Our study could not demonstrate any association between LTNPs and the sequenced envelope gene segment (C2-V3-C3). This lack of associati on could be due to the relatively small sample size of the data set. Nor di d we find any relation between the CCR5 genotype or the SI/NSI phenotype wi th the sequenced envelope genes from the 19 participants. The possible N-gl ycan position we have described is an interesting observation that may requ ire further investigation.