Viral replicative capacity and its influence for cell metabolism to illuminate the dissemination of HIV-1M

The HIV pandemic is caused by viruses of type 1 group M (HIV-M). Beside the majority of these viruses, there are many genetically divergent variants, leading to the definition of HIV-2 and groups N, O, and P in HIV-1. HIV-1 groups are the result of independent cross-species. The question is whether the wide distribution of HIV1-M strains is due to particular biological characteristics of certain viral lineages or to chance events. To this end, Hamadama and his team will evaluate the HIV-1 Gag replication capacity of HIV-1M lines isolated in Cameroon and their impact on the cell metabolism; in order to explore inter-subtype biological differences that may explain their uneven distributions in the region. Identification of the specific genetic determinants of such differences would be informative for developing intervention strategies to curtail HIV-1 virulence or epidemic spread.