Host genes that affect progression of AIDS/HIV in India and novel gene therapeutic approaches against HIV

A multitude of host and viral factors play critical role in susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and its subsequent progression to AIDS. Various host factors involved in HIV-1 infection include the chemokine receptors CCR5, CX3CR1, their ligands, RANTES, SDF-1 and cytokines like IL-10, IL-4, among others. The CCR5Δ32 allele is the most important genetic factor known to confer resistance to HIV-1 infection. However, other mutations in CCR5, CX3CR1 and SDF-1 have also been identified in Indian population. Polymorphisms in DC-SIGN, MHC class-I and II molecules are also known to affect HIV-1 progression. These polymorphisms can be utilized as genetic markers for evaluating disease progression and developing effective therapeutics. The review also describes the development of anti-viral therapy, involving the use of catalytic nucleic acids like DNA-enzymes and ribozymes and the expression of ribozymes and si-RNA using lentiviral vectors for stem cell based anti-HIV therapy.