FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIa genetic polymorphisms and HIV-1 disease progression in Kenyan female sex workers

Abstract

This study explores a potential correlation between genetic polymorphisms of the Fc gamma receptors IIa and IIIa and the rate of disease progression in HIV-infected female sex workers (FSW) from Kenya. Longitudinal data is used from a prospective cohort following HIV-1 seroconverters, with the end-points of progression to AIDS or mortality. Using several regression techniques, we examine the relationship between genotype and set point plasma viral load, plasma viral load increase over time, and CD4+ T cell decline over time. We also determine if FcγRIIa or FcγRIIIa genotypes are predictive of the overall rate of HIV-1 disease progression in this cohort using independent outcomes of decline to CD4<200 cells/mm3, death, and a combined outcome of time to CD4<200 cells/mm2, death, or initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART).