Which mutation is associated with HIV resistance and slower disease progression?

The CCR5Δ32 mutation plays a significant role in HIV resistance and slower disease progression. This specific mutation involves a deletion of 32 base pairs in the CCR5 gene, which encodes a chemokine receptor on the surface of immune cells. HIV commonly uses the CCR5 receptor as a coreceptor to enter and infect these immune cells, particularly during the early stages of infection.

Individuals who are homozygous for the CCR5Δ32 mutation (meaning they have two copies of the mutated gene) lack the CCR5 receptor entirely on their immune cells. As a result, HIV cannot effectively enter these cells, leading to a significant decrease in susceptibility to the virus and associated slower disease progression. Those who are heterozygous (having one copy of the mutation) may also experience a delay in the onset of AIDS compared to those with normal CCR5 receptor expression.

In contrast, the other mutations listed do not provide the same level of resistance to HIV or have a more nuanced impact on disease progression. For example, the CCR2-64I mutation may offer some protective effects but is not as potent as the CCR5Δ32 mutation regarding HIV resistance. CD4 mutations can impair immune function but do not confer resistance to HIV. CXCR4