CCR2-64I Polymorphism Is Associated With Lower Maternal HIV-1 Viral Load and Reduced Vertical HIV-1 Transmission

Abstract

Despite the relatively poor efficiency of HIV-1 infection via CCR2, a single nucleotide polymorphism in the CCR2 coding sequence that results in a valine to isoleucine change has been implicated as a host determinant of HIV-1 transmission and pathogenesis. Several studies have demonstrated an association between the CCR2-64I polymorphism and slower disease progression in adults.1 Its role in mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV-1 remains controversial, and its protective effect seems to vary depending on ethnicity and use of antiretroviral drugs for prevention of HIV-1 MTCT.2 The CCR2-64I variant is common in the Kenyan population, with a frequency of 25%, enabling us to evaluate associations between the CCR2-64I polymorphism and maternal HIV-1 viral load and to determine the effect of CCR2-64I on HIV-1 MTCT in a cohort in Nairobi.