Genetic resistance factor for HIV-1 and immune response to varicella tester virus

A 32 bp deletion in the chemokine receptor CCR5 gene modulates HIV-1 infect ion. However, whether this CCR5 gene variation modifies immunity to common herpesvirus infections is unknown. We investigated whole blood IgG concentr ations of 157 normal adult brood donors. Also we assessed whether the 32 bp deletion of CCR5 (Delta 32CCR5) was associated with circulating IgG to fou r herpesviruses: varicella tester virus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegaloviru s, and herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2. Individuals who carried Delt a 32CCR5 were 9.2 times more likely to be seronegative for varicella tester virus than non-carriers (95% CI 2.9-29.1), but no differences were seen fo r the other herpesviruses studied. Variation in CCR5 may modulate humoral i mmunity to varicella tester virus.