Background
The events during host virus interaction pave the way to differential outcomes in HIV-1 disease progression rates. We have earlier shown that HIV-1Nef gene harbors target sites for the human microRNA, miRNA 29a/b. Over expression of miR 29a/b could reduce virus levels by targeting the Nef gene. We hypothesized that differential expression of the microRNA maybe a protective factor in AIDS progression.
Methods
In a cohort of 75 HIV-1 infected individuals, who show differential disease progression, classified as (1) Long Term Non Progressors (LTNPs), (2) Regular Progressors and (3) Rapid Progressors. We isolated RNA and DNA from PBMCs collected from these individuals and healthy controls. We quantified miR 29a expression through Real Time PCR and performed statistical correlation of the miRNA levels with disease progression rate. We further analyzed miR 29a promoter and coding region from selected patients.
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Results
Patients, including various sub classes like LTNPs, Regular Progressors and Rapid progressors, had higher miR 29a levels than healthy controls. A small subset of patients had unusually high levels of miR 29a. Three of these individuals were LTNPs while others were classified as regular progressors.
Conclusion
The absence of known genetic causes of non progression like the CCR5 delta mutation, in this patient cohort suggests that there are novel mutations that confer protection. The absence of healthy control individuals with high miR 29a expression suggests that the induction of miRNA maybe happen in response to infection. However, larger sample sizes are required to confirm this. We conclude that miR 29a expression maybe one of the factors that in certain backgrounds provides a better prognosis.
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