Question

Why are individuals who are homozygous for this mutation significant for this study and HIV research in general? study is from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC21923/

Answer 1

CCR5 coreceptor involved in the binding of HIV to the macrophages or T helper cells and also internalization of virion into the cytoplasm of the human cell. Mutation in CCR5 co-receptor leads to resistance to HIV infection in CCR5 homozygous individuals is a beneficial mutation in europian population to stop spreading of HIV infection. Mutation at Delta32 region of CCR5 protein resistant to HIV infection and this receptor will be acting as an attractive drug target for HIV inhibition. They acquired this mutation from smallpox (new theory) or bubonic plague and because of selective pressure it is selected and spreads in European population but not in Africa population.