A genetic variant that may explain the naturally lower viral loads of HIV seen in some people of African ancestry has been discovered.
This is the first new genetic variant associated with HIV infection identified in almost 30 years and highlights the importance of conducting genetic research in diverse populations, including those of African ancestry.
This discovery was made by a global team of scientists and researchers including academics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and Omnigen Biodata Ltd.
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This genetic variant is said to possibly lead to the development of new therapeutics and improve treatment options for those living with HIV.
The study analysed the genetics of approximately 4 000 individuals of African ancestry, living with HIV. A variant in the gene CHD1L found to be specific to populations of African descent was associated with reduced viral load.
Experimental studies suggest this variant may play a role in limiting viral replication, although more research is required to fully understand how this occurs.
UKZN’s Emeritus Professor
UKZN’s Emeritus Professor Ayesha Motala, co-author of the Nature research paper and co-chief investigator of Discover Me South Africa, said this research was a turning point for understanding HIV infections in African population.
The results of this study also demonstrate the importance of undertaking genetic research in African populations to enable discovery and address long-standing health inequities.
Another co-author of the Nature research paper, founder and CEO of Omnigen Biodata, principle investigator of Discover Me UK and co-chief investigator of Discover Me South Africa, Professor Manjinder Sandhu, said there was still a long way to go in the fight against HIV.
“With more than a million new HIV infections a year, it’s clear that we still have a long way to go in the fight against HIV. We are yet to have a vaccine to prevent infection, have yet to find a cure and still see drug resistance emerging in some individuals,” said Sandhu.
HIV
He added the next step was to fully understand exactly how this genetic variant controls HIV replication.
HIV continues to be a major cause of illness and mortality despite the existence of treatments which reduce viral load, which is the amount of virus that an individual has in their system and can vary widely between individuals infected with HIV.
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Higher viral loads are known to correlate with faster disease progression and increased risk of transmission.
Viral load is influenced by several factors, including an individual’s genetics.
Considering the disproportionate impact of HIV on people living in Africa, more than 25 million people are HIV-positive on the continent, the researchers sought to better understand the role of genetics in HIV infection in African populations.