Whole genome deep sequencing of HIV-1 reveals the impact of early minor variants upon immune recognition during acute infection.

Deep sequencing technologies have the potential to transform the study of highly variable viral pathogens by providing a rapid and cost-effective approach to sensitively characterize rapidly evolving viral quasispecies. Here, we report on a high-throughput whole HIV-1 genome deep sequencing platform that combines 454 pyrosequencing with novel assembly and variant detection algorithms. In one subject we combined these genetic data with detailed immunological analyses to comprehensively evaluate viral evolution and immune escape during the acute phase of HIV-1 infection.

Differential regulation of toll-like receptor pathways in acute and chronic HIV-1 infection.

Objective And Design: The objective of this study was to determine changes in toll-like receptor (TLR) responses of monocytes, myeloid dendritic cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells during primary and chronic HIV-1 infection. TLRs serve as important innate receptors to sense pathogens, and have been implicated in mediating immune activation in HIV-1 infection. Studies assessing the consequences of HIV-1 infection on the ability of innate immune cells to respond to TLR stimulation have come to varying conclusions.

Acute HIV-1 infection: what's new? Where are we going?

This supplemental issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases is devoted to the important topic of primary human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. It was prompted by the planning of the Acute HIV-1 Infection Meeting in Boston in September 2009, at which leading scientists and practitioners gathered to discuss new insights into the early, critical events of HIV-1 infection. The reviews that follow underline the current state of the field with regard to transmission biology of HIV-1; the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of primary HIV-1 infection; the pathogenesis of primary HIV-1 infection; and innate and adaptive immune responses to the virus.