Biological Characterization of HIV-2
Abstract
Our data on the biology of HIV-2 suggest that this virus has a distinct biology from that of its closest relative HIV-1. It was therefore relevant to assess these differences in populations infected with significant rates of both HIV-2 and HIV-1. Senegal is such a West African country, and the studies established there have provided important new information on the natural history and epidemiology of HIV-2. The prolonged incubation period for HIVs in general suggest that much can be learned from the evaluation of infected individuals over time. In this contract we have described differences in the heterosexual transmission, incubation period to disease and epidemic curves of HIV-2 compared to HIV-1. A number of virologic and immunologic differences between these viral infections have been described which may play a role in these different pathogenic potentials and biologics. Our studies conducted to date, have already indicated differences in the above virus-host interactions between HIV-2 and HIV-1. Continued comparative studies contribute to our overall understanding of HIV pathogenesis. Human retroviruses, AIDS, HIV-1, HIV-2, SIV, West Africa, Vaccines, Biology, Biotechnology, RAD I
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 03, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA282710
Entities
People
- Phyllis J. Kanki
Organizations
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health