Is the HR2 polymorphism N140I in the HIV-1 gp41 combined with the HR1 V38A mutation associated with a less cytopathic phenotype?
Overall, primary gp41 proteins with both V38A and N140I changes showed a reduced ability to induce single cell death and deplete CD4+ T cells, despite maintaining fusion activity. The specificity of this phenotype highlights the relevance of the genetic context to the cytopathic capacity of Env and the role of ENF-resistance mutations in modulating viral pathogenicity in vivo, further supporting the hypothesis that gp41 is a critical mediator of HIV pathogenesis.
The results indicated that patients with diabetic nephropathy have low prostate-specific antigen levels, suggesting fewer prostate cancers being detected or fewer incidences among this group.