HIV‐1 V2 domain binds α4β7, which assists lymphocyte homing to gut‐associated lymphoid tissue. This triggers bacterial translocation, thus contributing to immune activation. We investigated whether variability of V2 ^179‐181binding site could influence plasma levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and soluble cluster of differentiation 14 (sCD14), markers of microbial translocation/immune activation. HIV gp120 sequences from antiretroviral naïve patients were analyzed for V2 tripeptide composition, length, net charge, and potential N‐linked‐glycosylation sites. LPS and sCD14 plasma levels were quantified. Clinical/immuno‐virologic data were retrieved. Overall, 174 subjects were enrolled, 8% with acute infection, 71% harboring a subtype B. LDV^179‐181 was detected in 41% and LDI in 27%. No difference was observed between levels of LPS or sCD14 according to different mimotopes or according to other sequence characteristics. By multivariable analysis, only acute infection was significantly associated with higher sCD14 levels. In conclusion, no association was observed between V2 tripeptide composition and extent of bacterial translocation/immune activation.

中文翻译：

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HIV-1 V2 序列变异对未接受抗逆转录病毒治疗的 HIV-1 感染患者细菌易位的影响。


HIV-1 V2 结构域结合 α4β7，协助淋巴细胞归巢至肠道相关淋巴组织。这会触发细菌易位，从而有助于免疫激活。我们研究了 V2 ^179-181结合位点的变异是否会影响脂多糖 (LPS) 和可溶性分化簇 14 (sCD14)（微生物易位/免疫激活标志物）的血浆水平。分析了从未接受过抗逆转录病毒治疗的患者的 HIV gp120 序列的 V2 三肽组成、长度、净电荷和潜在的 N 连接糖基化位点。对 LPS 和 sCD14 血浆水平进行定量。检索临床/免疫病毒学数据。总体而言，共有 174 名受试者入组，其中 8% 患有急性感染，71% 携带 B 亚型。41% 的受试者检测到 LDV ^{179‐181，27} % 的受试者检测到 LDI。根据不同模拟表位或根据其他序列特征，LPS 或 sCD14 水平之间没有观察到差异。通过多变量分析，只有急性感染与较高的 sCD14 水平显着相关。总之，没有观察到 V2 三肽组成与细菌易位/免疫激活程度之间存在关联。