Abstract

In 292 initially human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-serodiscordant and cohabiting Zambian couples, HLA-DRB1 and -DQB1 variants were associated with HIV-1 transmission events during a 7-year follow-up period. Initially seronegative partners with either DRB1*0301-DQB1*0201 (relative hazard [RH], 1.60; P = .009) or DRB1*1503-DQB1*0602 (RH, 1.67; P = .03) showed accelerated seroconversion. Carriage of DRB1*1301 in initially seropositive partners led to delayed transmission of HIV to their spouses (RH, 0.54; P = .05). The combined groups of seroprevalent and seroincident partners (n = 433) also differed from those who remained seronegative (n = 151), with regard to 2 common haplotypes, DRB1*1302-DQB1*0604 (relative odds [RO], 0.28; P = .003) and DRB1*1503-DQB1*0602 (RO, 1.81; P = .02). Statistical adjustments for other host factors (age, sex, genital ulcer, and index partner's virus load) known to influence transmission of HIV-1 seldom altered the genetic relationships. Overall, associations of HLA class II polymorphisms with both HIV transmission and acquisition are not as readily interpretable as are effects reported for other loci.

You do not currently have access to this article.