Retrovirology: Research and Treatment

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene loci are key in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigen presentation leading to an immune response to infection. The high genetic variation in these gene loci forms the basis of the host’s ability to mount immune responses to different viral epitopes. Polymorphisms of the HLA will impact susceptibility to HIV infection, disease progression, and treatment. This review aims at giving an overview on the role of HLA gene polymorphisms on HIV acquisition, rate of disease progression, and treatment outcomes. Understanding the HIV epitope-HLA complexes during infection might provide insight into the design of multi-epitope HIV vaccine for different populations.