Genome-wide association studies have become an indispensable tool in the determination of candidate genes that are found to be insignificant associations with certain phenotypes. This review is aimed at examining GWAS as a critical tool in elucidating the role of the CCR5 gene in HIV-1 infections. The presence of a CCR5 coreceptor is a genetic factor that modifies the outcome of HIV-1 infections. The CCR5 receptors are predominantly found on the surface of leucocytes, cells such as macrophages, CD4 and monocytes where they serve as entry receptors for HIV-1. The absence of abnormalities in CCR5 receptors increases the host’s resistance to HIV-1 infection and its progression. In cases where mutation of the CCR5 gene occurs, resulting in a 32 base pair deletion and the absence of CCR5 on immune cell surfaces makes humans that are homozygous for 32 to be resistant to HIV-1 infections. Likewise, people heterozygous for 32 record delays in the progression of HIV-1 infections, a less rapid decline in the CD4 cell count and even lower viral load in circulation. The discovery of the role of CCR5 receptors and the impact of its mutation through GWAS have had a substantial impact on medical care, particularly the improvement of HIV-1 therapies. It resulted in the development of antiretroviral therapeutic agents that blocks the expression of the CCR5 receptors. These CCR5 blockers have immense potential in HIV-1 therapy as they have a high potential for prevention and treatment. This review thus provides evidence for the need to embrace GWAS and its applications in therapeutic strategies against viral infectious diseases. PDFFulltextXMLReferencesCitation
How to cite this article
Chidinma G. Daokoru-Olukole, Nelson Pureaziba and Michael Ockiya, 2023. GWAS as Instrument for Elucidating the Role of the CCR5 Gene in HIV-1 Infection. American Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 13: 20-27.