South African GB virus C isolates: interactions between genotypes 1 and 5 isolates and HIV.

Xiang, Jinhua; Sathar, M Aslam; McLinden, James H; Klinzman, Donna; Chang, Qing; Stapleton, Jack T · J Infect Dis · 2005

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

GB virus C (GBV-C) is a common, apparently nonpathogenic human flavivirus that has been associated in some studies with prolonged survival in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive persons. There are 5 distinct GBV-C genotypes localized to specific geographic regions, and genotype 2 has been previously shown to inhibit HIV replication in vitro in lymphocyte cultures. We identified GBV-C virus isolates representing genotypes 1, 2, and 5 in samples from South African blood donors. GBV-C genotype 1 and 5 isolates replicated in lymphocyte culture, inhibited X4 and R5 HIV-1 isolates, and induced RANTES and stromal-derived factor-1 chemokines in vitro. Thus, African GBV-C genotypes can inhibit HIV replication in vitro.

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