Abstract:

Objective To determine the polymorphism of HIV co-receptor, CC chemokine receptor 5(CCR5) in Chinese and its effects on HIV infection. Methods Two groups of Chinese residing in Hong Kong were recruited: ① 785 HIV-healthy donors and ② 314 HIV+ patients. CCR5 mutations were identified from the study subjects by full sequencing of the open reading frame(ORF). Results Ten mutants of CCR5 ORF were identified, seven of which were non-synonymous. Two previously reported mutants, R223Q and 299(FS) were proved to be the most prevalent. These alleles did not show significant difference between HIV patients and healthy controls. However, the novel mutant G106R might affect the conformation in the second extra-cellular loop(ECL2) of CCR5 and change its co-receptor function. Conclusion Mutation in the CCR5 ORF is quite prevalent in ethnic Chinese. However, the identified mutants do not affect HIV infection from epidemiological level. Structural analysis had indicated that the novel mutant G106R in the third trans-membrane domain might affect its function as co-receptor for HIV.

Key words: CCR5, polymorphism, Co-receptor, HIV