Genetic Characterization of Three Newly Isolated CRF07_BC Near Full-length Genomes in China

Though HIV-1 CRF07_BC rapidly spread in China, there have been few reports about this subtype since its first genetic characterization nearly 10 years ago. It was urgent and necessary to know the current gene variation of circulating CRF07_BC strains. Xinjiang was the main region for the CRF07_BC epidemic and also an ideal region for research on the viral gene evolution. The strains of Ulumuqi and Yili in Xinjiang were isolated, cloned, and sequenced in this study. Analyses of phylogenetic, potential CTL epitopes and N-glycosites were preformed simultaneously. New CRF07_BC isolates showed higher genetic diversity and more potential N-glycosites than old isolates. It was interesting that although the env and nef genes are highly variable, highly conserved potential CTL epitopes and N-glycosites were found in deduced gp120 V3 and Nef product of all CRF07_BC isolates. The analysis of the sequences provides some valuable information on the investigation of the epidemiology and on vaccine development.