Molecular Pathogens 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 9-16 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mp 9 Review and Progress Open Access Relationship between HIV Mutation and Host Antibody Response Wei Zhang Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: 2013478397@qq.com Molecular Pathogens, 2024, Vol.15, No.1 doi: 10.5376/mp.2024.15.0002 Received: 20 Nov., 2023 Accepted: 25 Dec., 2023 Published: 20 Jan., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhang W., 2024, Relationship between HIV mutation and host antibody response, Molecular Pathogens, 15(1): 9-16 (doi: 10.5376/mp.2024.15.0002) Abstract The variation of the HIV virus is caused by its high mutability and the accumulation of errors during replication. Mutation leads to the production of different subtypes and variants of the virus, which in turn affects the antibody response of the host immune system. This study reviews the mutual relationship between HIV virus variation and host antibody response. Antibodies, as a major component of the immune system, play a crucial role in the process of infection. This study provides a systematic overview of the mechanisms underlying HIV-1 viral variation and the different types of mutations. It also discusses the mechanisms of host antibody response, the structure and function of antibodies, and the impact of viral variation on antibody recognition and binding, particularly the challenges posed by antibody escape mutations. The study comprehensively analyzes existing research methods and technologies, such as genetic sequencing and monoclonal antibody techniques, and emphasizes their importance in studying HIV-1 viral variation and antibody responses. The study concludes by summarizing the challenges and future directions in research, including strategies for antibody vaccine development, dynamic modeling of virus evolution and antibody responses, and prospects for new therapeutic strategies and drug development. Keywords HIV virus variation; Host antibody response; Mutant strains; Antibody escape; Viral evolution 1 Introduction Since the discovery of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the early 1980s, it has been a significant global public health concern. This terrible virus has claimed millions of lives and continues to affect individuals across the globe. HIV belongs to the retrovirus family and specifically the lentivirus sub-group, attacking the immune system and leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The virus is renowned for its high variability, posing significant challenges to treatment and prevention through evolution (Campestrini et al., 2018). It is estimated that approximately 38 million people are infected with HIV globally, making the epidemic a pressing global health concern. The virus is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual behavior, shared contaminated needles, and mother-to-child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding (Ishay et al., 2020). Despite significant advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) in recent years, there is still no cure for HIV. Management of HIV infection focuses on suppressing viral replication, delaying disease progression, and reducing transmission risks (Kesby et al., 2018). However, the emergence of drug resistance and an increase in viral strain diversity pose significant challenges to effective treatment and prevention. It is evident that a deeper understanding of the interplay between HIV variants and host antibody responses is crucial. Understanding how virus variants impact the immune system and how host antibodies respond to these variants can provide a better understanding of HIV pathogenesis and viral escape mechanisms. In-depth research on virus variants and antibody responses can provide novel insights and targets for vaccine and antiviral treatment strategies (Cassandra et al., 2019). The primary aim of this study is to review the interplay between HIV variants and host antibody responses, exploring its significance in virus control and disease prevention. The study will analyze the mechanisms and influencing factors of HIV variants, describe the interactive mechanisms of virus escape and antibody responses,
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