Characterization of HIV-1 Variants: Implications for HIV-1 Prevention, Treatment and Cure.

The enormous genetic diversity of HIV hinders the development of an effective HIV vaccine. Researchers have identified viral properties of transmitted/founder (T/F) variants, in an effort to identify common vaccine targets. However, there are contradictory findings, likely because cohorts often differ in transmission mode and the infecting HIV subtype. The sensitivity of T/F viruses to broadly neutralising antibodies (bnAbs) is also of particular interest as there have been advances showing proof-of-concept that passive administration of bnAbs can protect against HIV infection as well as suppress virus replication in individuals already infected with HIV. Considering the diversity of HIV, there is a need to characterize the sensitivity of T/F viruses of different subtypes and from different populations to bnAbs, or other immune-based interventions (for example, cytotoxic T cell based vaccines) being investigated for prophylactic use. To inform virus eradication strategies, the HIV variants that persist during therapy (viral reservoirs) also need to be characterised. Most studies of the viral reservoir to date have focussed on peripheral blood and HIV subtype B, however viral variants in tissue may differ from those in peripheral blood and virus and host characteristics differ between populations infected with different subtypes – there is also a need for studies that include the HIV reservoir in tissues and non-subtype B regions of the world. Additionally, it is necessary to study hotspots of viral diversity such as the Congo Basin, where new variants may emerge, given the potential impacts of HIV diversity on vaccine development, the sustainability of antiretroviral therapies and pathogenesis.

The goal of this research topic is to collect articles describing progress made on characterization of T/F and reservoir variants, or different HIV subtypes, from different populations around the world, and how this informs interventions being investigated for HIV prevention, treatment or cure.

Articles (original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, case reports and perspectives) within the theme are invited. Articles may fall under, but are not limited to, the follow sub-topics:

1. Characteristics of successfully transmitted HIV variants, which may include their sensitivity to proposed vaccine and prevention strategies.

2. Characteristics of HIV variants that persist during treatment and their sensitivity to proposed virus eradication strategies.

3. Characterization of different HIV subtypes and recombinants, which may include implications for HIV-1 prevention, treatment and cure as well as drug resistance.