Differences in neutralizing antibody sensitivities and envelope characteristics indicate distinct antigenic properties of Nigerian HIV-1 subtype G and CRF02_AG
Authors: Wieczorek Lindsay , Chang David , Sanders-Buell Eric , Zemil Michelle , Martinez Elizabeth , Schoen Jesse , Chenine Agnes-Laurence , Molnar Sebastian , Barrows Brittani , Poltavee Kultida , Charurat Man E. , Abimiku Alash’le , Blattner William , Iroezindu Michael , Kokogho Afoke , Michael Nelson L. , Crowell Trevor A. , Ake Julie A. , Tovanabutra Sodsai , Polonis Victoria R. ,   on behalf of the AFRICOS and TRUST/RV368 Study Groups, Bartolanzo Danielle , Reynolds Alexus , Song Katherine , Milazzo Mark , Francisco Leilani , Mankiewicz Shauna , Schech Steven , Golway Alexandra , Omar Badryah , Mebrahtu Tsedal , Lee Elizabeth , Bohince Kimberly , Parikh Ajay , Hern Jaclyn , Duff Emma , Lombardi Kara , Imbach Michelle , Eller Leigh Anne , Kibuuka Hannah , Semwogerere Michael , Naluyima Prossy , Zziwa Godfrey , Tindikahwa Allan , Mutebe Hilda , Kafeero Cate , Baghendaghe Enos , Lwebuge William , Ssentogo Freddie , Birungi Hellen , Tegamanyi Josephine , Wangiri Paul , Nabanoba Christine , Namulondo Phiona , Tumusiime Richard , Musingye Ezra , Nanteza Christina , Wandege Joseph , Waiswa Michael , Najjuma Evelyn , Maggaga Olive , Kenoly Isaac Kato , Mukanza Barbara , Maswai Jonah , Langat Rither , Ngeno Aaron , Korir Lucy , Langat Raphael , Opiyo Francis , Kasembeli Alex , Ochieng Christopher , Towett Japhet , Kimetto Jane , Omondi Brighton , Leelgo Mary , Obonyo Michael , Rotich Linner , Tonui Enock , Chelangat Ella , Kapkiai Joan , Wangare Salome , Kesi Zeddy Bett , Ngeno Janet , Langat Edwin , Labosso Kennedy , Rotich Joshua , Cheruiyot Leonard , Changwony Enock , Bii Mike , Chumba Ezekiel , Ontango Susan , Gitonga Danson , Kiprotich Samuel , Ngtech Bornes , Engoke Grace , Metet Irene , Airo Alice , Kiptoo Ignatius , Owuoth John , Sing’oei Valentine , Rehema Winne , Otieno Solomon , Ogari Celine , Modi Elkanah , Adimo Oscar , Okwaro Charles , Lando Christine , Onyango Margaret , Aoko Iddah , Obambo Kennedy , Meyo Joseph , Suja George , Adamu Yakubu , Azuakola Nnamdi , Asuquo Mfreke , Tiamiyu Abdulwasiu Bolaji , Mohammed Samirah Sani , Okoye Ifeanyi , Odeyemi Sunday , Suleiman Aminu , Umejo Lawrence , Enas Onome , Mbachu Miriam , Chigbu-Ukaegbu Ijeoma , Adai Wilson , Odo Felicia Anayochukwu , Abdu Rabi , Akiga Rosemary , Nwandu Helen , Okolo CHisara , Okeke Ndubuisis , Parker Zahra , Linus Asogwa Ugochukwu , Agbaim Concilia Amaka , Adegbite Tunde , Harrison Nkenchiere , Adelakun Adewale , Chioma Ekeocha , Idi Victoria , Eluwa Rachel , Nwalozie Jumoke , Faith Igiri , Okanigbuan Blessing , Emmanuel Achugwo , Nnadi Nkiru , Rosemary Ndubuisi , Natalie Uzoegwu Amaka , Owanza Obende Theresa , Francis Falaju Idowu , Elemere Jacintal , Lauretta Obilor Ifeoma , Akinwale Edward , Ochai Inalegwu , Maganga Lucas , Bahemana Emmanuel , Khamadi Samoel , Njegite John , Lueer Connie , Kisinda Abisai , Mwamwaja Jaquiline , Mbwayu Faraja , David Gloria , Mwaipopo Mtasi , Gervas Reginald , Mkondoo Doroth , Somi Nancy , Kiliba Paschal , Mwaisanga Gwamaka , Msigwa Johnisius , Mfumbulwa Hawa , Edwin Peter , Olomi Willyhelmina , Charurat Manhattan , Abayomi Aka , Adebajo Sylvia , Baral Stefan , Gaydos Charlotte , Hu Fengming , Malia Jennifer , Nowak Rebecca , Ononaku Uchenna , Peel Sheila , Ramadhani Habib , Robb Merlin , Rodriguez-Hart Cristina , Shoyemi Elizabeth , Tiamiyu Abdulwasiu , Vasan Sandhya 
Published: July 2024

The magnitude of the HIV-1 epidemic in Nigeria is second only to the subtype C epidemic in South Africa, yet the subtypes prevalent in Nigeria require further characterization. A panel of 50 subtype G and 18 CRF02_AG Nigerian HIV-1 pseudoviruses (PSV) was developed and envelope coreceptor usage, neutralization sensitivity and cross-clade reactivity were characterized. These PSV were neutralized by some antibodies targeting major neutralizing determinants, but potentially important differences were observed in specific sensitivities (eg. to sCD4, MPER and V2/V3 monoclonal antibodies), as well as in properties such as variable loop lengths, number of potential N-linked glycans and charge, demonstrating distinct antigenic characteristics of CRF02_AG and subtype G. There was preferential neutralization of the matched CRF/subtype when PSV from subtype G or CRF02_AG were tested using pooled plasma. These novel Nigerian PSV will be useful to study HIV-1 CRF- or subtype-specific humoral immune responses for subtype G and CRF02_AG.