Decreased density of the CCR5 receptor on the surface of CD4+ lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages is associated with the CCR5-59653T transition in the promoter region.

We compared the density of the CCR5 receptor on the surface of CD4+ lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages of the homozygote (CCR5-59653C) and the heterozygote (CCR5-59653T), bearing CCR2-64V alleles. Flow cytometric analysis revealed lower density of the CCR5 receptor on the surface of CD4+ lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages of the heterozygote than in the same cells of the homozygote. Our observation might explain slower replication of HIV and the delay in progression to AIDS in the individuals bearing CCR5-59653T transition.