Immunology and virology of HIV-1 infection in Cameroon

Abstract

This study confirms the widespread existence of highly divergent HIV lineages in Cameroon. While the genetic complexity of the Cameroonian HIV-1 epidemic has potentially serious implications for the design of biomedical interventions, detailed analyses of divergent Cameroonian HIV-1 group M lineages could be crucial for dissecting the earliest evolutionary steps in the emergence of HIV-1 group M. In addition, the central nature of HIV-1 consensus M sequences resulted in their broad recognition, but failed to identify highly immunodominant peptides between homogeneous and diverse HIV epidemics. Further refinement of these immunogens may contribute to the development of a globally relevant vaccine. Finally, the use of PTE peptides did not increase the breadth of T cell recognition in Abstract Page xvi this divergent population when compared to consensus M peptides. This underlies the need to include more mosaic peptides representing the variety of viruses that circulate in the region.