Millions of people are exposed to HIV each year, but not everyone will become infected.
Researchers estimate DNA accounts for 28% to 42% of an individual’s risk for contracting HIV.
Genes may also impact the course of the disease and the effectiveness of different treatments.
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This article discusses genetics and HIV.
The first genetic mutation related to HIV was identified in the mid-1990s asCCR5-Delta32.
Research shows people with a homozygous 32 bp deletion inCCR5are less likely to contract HIV.
The gene is rarely found in people of African or Asian heritage.
Researchers suspect this genetic variant may have developed in response to the Bubonic plague orsmallpox.
Experts theorize if your ancestors survived smallpox, you may have an evolutionary advantage against HIV.
Other genes, likeEFCAB14, are also being investigated for potential protective effects against HIV infection.
People with mutations inCD101andUBE2V1are four times more likely to contract HIV than people without these genetic variants.
Researchers are uncertain exactly how these genes increase HIV risk.
Both genes play a role in immune system functioning and are known to impact inflammatory pathways.
TheCD101gene is responsible for encoding antibodies implicated in regulatory T-cell function.
More research is needed to understand exactly how these genetic variants increase HIV risk.
Genes May Delay AIDS Onset
HIV is treated with antiretroviral therapy to prevent progression to AIDS.
However, researchers identified a subset of HIV-positive individuals whose HIV RNA load remains low even without treatment.
These people are known as HIV controllers.
Several alleles associated with a faster progression to AIDS were also identified.
These includeHLA-B35,HLA-B18,HLA-A24,HLA-B08, andHLAA29.
To date, researchers have not found any clear associations between blood antigens and HIV risk.
Genetics can also help determine the best treatments for individuals.
Human genetic variability has been found to have an impact on your response to treatment and potential side effects.
For example:
The interplay between genes and HIV infection and treatments is still being explored.
Scientists are hopeful that this line of research may one day lead to a cure for HIV and AIDS.
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