Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-C and its association with HIV-1 transmission in discordant couple and mother-to-child cohorts.

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules play a key role in regulating the immune response towards infectious agents like human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1). They have been shown to influence transmission as well as the progression of HIV-1 towards acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Roles of HLA-A and HLA-B have been documented extensively; however, HLA-C has been poorly studied. In the present study, we have evaluated the role of HLA-C in discordant couple and mother-to-child cohorts. HLA-C*07 was higher both in HIV-1-infected spouses and infants as compared to exposed uninfected spouses and infants. However, this was not significant. HLA-C*15 was significantly higher in HIV-1-exposed uninfected babies as compared to infected babies. Lack of treatment in mothers and breastfeeding were significantly associated with HIV-1 transmission. HLA-C*07 may be a susceptible allele in HIV-1 transmission, whereas HLA-C*15 may be a protective allele in mother-to-child cohorts, independent of feeding options and treatment. These findings could be important in targeting immune responses via population-specific vaccine strategies against HIV-1.

HIV and host immunogenetics: unraveling the role of HLA-C.

Host genetic factors play a major role in determining the outcome of many infections including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Multiple host factors have been studied till date showing their varied role in susceptibility or resistance to HIV infection. HLA-C, however, has been recently started gaining interest in researchers mind revealing its polymorphisms to have an important effect on viral load set-points, disease progression as well as transmission. In this review report, we have compiled these significant findings of HLA-C in HIV infection, in an attempt to highlight the need for further research in the area in different ethnic population to establish its role in the infection.