Upregulation of PTPRC and Interferon Response Pathways in HIV-1 Seroconverters Prior to Infection.

HIV-1 exposed seronegative (HESN) individuals may have unique characteristics that alter susceptibility to HIV-1 infection. However, identifying truly exposed HESN is challenging. We utilized stored data and biospecimens from HIV-1 serodifferent couple cohorts, which couples' HIV-1 exposure were quantified based on unprotected sex frequency and viral load of the partner living with HIV-1. We compared peripheral blood gene expression between 15 HESN and 18 seroconverters prior to infection. We found PTPRC (encoding CD45 antigen), and interferon-response pathways had significantly higher expression among individuals who went on to become seropositive and thus may be a signature for increased acquisition risk.