{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Differences in neutralizing antibody sensitivities and envelope characteristics indicate distinct antigenic properties of Nigerian HIV-1 subtype G and CRF02_AG.
{Author}: Wieczorek L;Chang D;Sanders-Buell E;Zemil M;Martinez E;Schoen J;Chenine AL;Molnar S;Barrows B;Poltavee K;Charurat ME;Abimiku A;Blattner W;Iroezindu M;Kokogho A;Michael NL;Crowell TA;Ake JA;Tovanabutra S;Polonis VR; ;
{Journal}: Virol J
{Volume}: 21
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: 2024 Jun 29
{Factor}: 5.913
{DOI}: 10.1186/s12985-024-02394-y
{Abstract}: The magnitude of the HIV-1 epidemic in Nigeria is second only to the subtype C epidemic in South Africa, yet the subtypes prevalent in Nigeria require further characterization. A panel of 50 subtype G and 18 CRF02_AG Nigerian HIV-1 pseudoviruses (PSV) was developed and envelope coreceptor usage, neutralization sensitivity and cross-clade reactivity were characterized. These PSV were neutralized by some antibodies targeting major neutralizing determinants, but potentially important differences were observed in specific sensitivities (eg. to sCD4, MPER and V2/V3 monoclonal antibodies), as well as in properties such as variable loop lengths, number of potential N-linked glycans and charge, demonstrating distinct antigenic characteristics of CRF02_AG and subtype G. There was preferential neutralization of the matched CRF/subtype when PSV from subtype G or CRF02_AG were tested using pooled plasma. These novel Nigerian PSV will be useful to study HIV-1 CRF- or subtype-specific humoral immune responses for subtype G and CRF02_AG.