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The positive selection of the 32-bp (base pair) deletion in the chemokine receptor CCR5, a variant that confers resistance to HIV/AIDS, is hypothesized to have originated relatively recently in response to the strong selective pressure of smallpox. However, based on our extensive studies in India, for the first time we have found that the theory of positive selection pressure of smallpox for CCR5-D32 may not be as clear. The CCR5-D32 mutation determines the susceptibility of an individual to HIV/AIDS and is highly protective against infection with HIV-1 through the formation of a truncated receptor preventing viral entry. The CCR5-D32 mutation is common among Caucasians with an allelic frequency of 10%. The high incidence of this allele may be indicative of a positive selection event. With population genetic studies and mathematical models, it has been suggested that the CCR5-D32 mutation has been under positive selection pressure of smallpox.

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2009-12-08   |   664 visitas   |   Evalua este artículo 0 valoraciones

Vol. 3 Núm.4. Abril 2009 Pags. 324-326. J Infect Developing Countries 2009; 3(4)