Phylogenetic Comparison of Proposed Pathways Used b y HIV-1 Nef to Downregulate MHC-I Cell Surface Expression
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Authors
Brouwer, Nathan A.
Issue Date
2004
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
HIV-1 uses a variety of methods to avoid destruction by the host's immune
system, eventually leading to AIDS. One such method is through the downregulation of
major histocompatibility complex class I antigens on the infected cell's surface.
Although it is known that the Nef protein is responsible, the pathway remains to be
determined. Recent studies suggest two possible pathways.
This study compares the pathways using phylogenetic techniques, such as the
reconstruction of phylogenies of HIV-I M Group and primate immunodeficiency viruses
(HIV-I, HIV-2 and SIV) for the gene, the comparison of nonsynonymous to synonymous
substitutions to determine if evolution or stabilizing selection is occurring, and the
determining of where in the history of the gene certain traits appear or disappear.
Although this study cannot verify either pathway definitively, the pathways could
be refuted by selection against essential characteristics of the pathway. Data from this
study demonstrates further analysis of the endocytotic theory is necessary in the attempt
to clarify the downregulation of MHC-I by HIV-I Nef. This future understanding could
lead to treatment methods designed to prevent the progression of HIV-I to AIDS.
Description
vi, 22 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo College
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.