Polymorphism of gp41 glycoprotein might influence the progression to disease in HIV-1 infection.

We analysed the impact of envelope glycoprotein gp41 polymorphism on the persistence of long-term nonprogressor (LTNP) status in 59 HIV-1-infected individuals over a period of time exceeding 6 years. The presence of a leucine at the codon 830, instead of the predominant isoleucine residue, was significantly associated with nonprogression, independently of the presence of two particular classes of antigp41 antibodies (antigp41 IgG2 and anti-SWSNKS peptide) previously reported as markers of LTNP status.