Role of NF-kB binding sites in the viral enhancer of HIV-1 subtype C Promoter in shaping the viral replicative fitness

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is responsible for the global health epidemic of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The 2011 annual UNAIDS report shows that an estimated 34 million people are living with HIV-AIDS at the end of 2010. The first case of AIDS was reported in the year 1981 (Masur et al., 1981). In the subsequent years, HIV was identified as the causative agent of AIDS by Montagnier’s group in France (Barre-sinoussi et al., 1983), a finding substantiated by Gallo's group subsequently (Popovic et al., 1984). A recent statistic showed a steady decline in the global incidence of new HIV infections in the majority of the countries (UNAIDS Global report, 2011). This decline could be attributed to several factors, including improved preventive measures, increased awareness and enhanced access to antiretroviral therapy. The “prevention is better than cure” approach reflects our own inability in achieving viral eradication and the malicious ways by which HIV attains a disease of epidemic proportion.