MHC class II alleles associated with clinical and immunological manifestations of HIV-1 infection among children in Catalonia, Spain.

Children with perinatally-acquired HIV-1 infection were studied to determine if major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are involved in progression to pediatric AIDS. Molecular genetic techniques were used to genotype loci in the class II region (DRB1, DQA1, DQB1, DPA1, DPB1, LMP2 and LMP7). HIV-infected children were classified by clinical manifestations and degree of immunosuppression using age-specific CD4 T-lymphocyte counts at enrollment. Alleles at the DPB1 and DQB1 loci showed independent and opposite associations; DPB1*0301 showed a trend toward protection while DQB1*0201 appeared to be a risk factor for developing severe immunosuppression and severe clinical outcomes. Presence of DQB1*0201 conferred a greater than 10-fold increased odds of having severe clinical manifestations and a 2.8-fold increased odds of severe immunosuppression. Presence of DPB1*0301 was associated with a greater than 8-fold decreased odds of severe immunosuppression and severe clinical manifestations. These results support host genetic influences on HIV-1 outcomes in children.

Duke Scholars

Author Jeanette Joan McCarthy Family Medicine and Community Health