The HLA-C*04: 01/KIR2DS4 gene combination and human leukocyte antigen alleles with high population frequency drive rate of HIV disease progression.

Objective: The objective of this study is to identify human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genotypes associated with different risks for HIV acquisition and HIV disease progression.

Design: A cross-sectional study of a cohort of 468 high-risk individuals (246 HIV-positive and 222 HIV-negative) from outpatient clinics in Lima (Perú).

Methods: The cohort was high-resolution HLA and KIR-typed and analysed for potential differences in single-allele frequencies and allele combinations between HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals and for associations with HIV viral load and CD4 cell counts in infected individuals.