HLA class I Sanger sequences data of Honduras HIV cohort

HLA polymorphisms represent the strongest genetic modifier of HIV disease
progression. Diverse HLA distribution can lead to distinct HIV control
landscapes at the population level. We aimed to describe HLA allele and
haplotype frequencies (linkage disequilibrium, LD), CCR5-Δ32 frequency and
the impact of these variants on HIV disease outcome. HLA class I (cI) loci
were typed at 4-digit resolution, and CCR5 variants were determined in 402
HIV clade B-infected, ART-naïve individuals from Honduras. HLA LD were
assessed using Fisher’s exact test. Using univariable and multivariable
analyses we evaluated HLA associations with HIV pVL and CD4 counts. We did
not find any effect on HIV control between CCR5 genotypes. Previously
defined HLA associations were found: B*57:01/03, B*42:01, A*25:01 and
C*12:03 (protective), and B*53:01 and A*68:01 (risk). Being consistent
with our previous research in a Mesoamerican HIV cohort, Amerindian
B*35:12 was associated to poor HIV control. Other HLA-HIV associations not
previously described were C*03:04 and B*08:01 that were associated with
higher pVL. Overall, this first report highlights the immunogenetic
uniqueness admixture of the Honduras population that express Amerindian,
Caucasian and African HLA subtypes. These findings not only support this
cohort as ideal for identifying HLA correlates of HIV control but also may
improve future research regarding allotransplantation and disease
association.