Of the various genetic subtypes of human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), only in subtype C of HIV-1 is a genetically variant NF-B binding site found at the core of the viral promoter in association with a subtype-specific Sp1III motif. How the subtype-associated variations in the core transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) influence gene expression from the viral promoter has not been examined previously. Using panels of infectious viral molecular clones, we demonstrate that subtype-specific NF-B and Sp1III motifs have evolved for optimal gene expression, and neither of the motifs can be replaced by a corresponding TFBS variant. The variant NF-B motif binds NF-B with an affinity 2-fold higher than that of the generic NF-B site. Importantly, in the context of an infectious virus, the subtype-specific Based on genetic variation, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is classified into four distinct groups (M, N, O, and P), and group M is subclassified into nine molecular subtypes (A, B, C, D, F, G, H, J, and K) and numerous circulating recombinant forms, including A/E (1). The global distribution of HIV-1 subtypes is uneven, with C, A, and B being the most widespread subtypes. Subtype C is predominant in southern and eastern African countries, India, and Nepal and in recombinant forms in China, and it is currently emerging in southern Brazil. Subtype C is responsible for approximately half of the global HIV-1 infections and more than 95% of the infections in India (2). The factors that contribute to the widespread expansion of subtype C are not well understood. Diverse viral subtypes differ from one another up to 30 to 35% in certain gene segments, such as the envelope (3). A genetic variation to this large an extent is expected to have a significant impact on the biological properties of the subtypes influencing their relative fitness properties. Subtype-specific genetic variations in elements such as the viral promoter (enhancer and other regulatory elements), regulatory proteins, and structural proteins may underlie the biological differences, although drawing such a correlation between these factors may not always be possible.The individual components of the viral promoter, including the modulator region, the enhancer, and the core promoter, are characterized by several subtype-specific molecular variations. Such differences have been mapped to many transcription factor binding sites (TFBS), including USF, c-Myb, NF-AT, Ap-1, NF-B, and Sp1, and regulatory elements such as the TATA box and

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The delivery of plasmid DNA to the skin can target distinct subsets of dermal dendritic cells to confer a superior immune response. The needle-free immunization technology offers a reliable, safe and efficient means to administer intradermal (ID) injections. We report here that the ID injection of DNA vectors using an NF device (NF-ID) elicits a superior cell-mediated immune response, at much lesser DNA dosage, comparable in magnitude to the traditional intramuscular immunization. However, the humoral response is significantly impaired, possibly at the stage of B cell isotype switching. We found that the NF-ID administration deposits the DNA primarily on the epidermis resulting in a rapid loss of the DNA as well as the synthesized antigen due to the faster regeneration rate of the skin layers. Therefore, despite the immune-rich nature of the skin, the NF-ID immunization of DNA vectors may be limited by the impaired humoral response. Additional booster injections are required to augment the antibody response. As an alternative and a viable solution, we rescued the IgG response by coadministration of a Toll-like receptor 9 agonist, among other adjuvants examined. Our work has important implication for the optimization of the emerging needle-free technology for ID immunization.

T‐cell co‐stimulation through CD28/CTLA4:B7‐1/B7‐2 axis is one of the extensively studied pathways that resulted in the discovery of several FDA‐approved drugs for autoimmunity and cancer. However, many aspects of the signaling mechanism remain elusive, including oligomeric association and clustering of B7‐2 on the cell surface. Here, we describe the structure of the IgV domain of B7‐2 and its cryptic association into 1D arrays that appear to represent the pre‐signaling state of B7‐2 on the cell membrane. Super‐resolution microscopy experiments on heterologous cells expressing B7‐2 and B7‐1 suggest, B7‐2 form relatively elongated and larger clusters compared to B7‐1. The sequence and structural comparison of other B7 family members, B7‐1:CTLA4 and B7‐2:CTLA‐4 complex structures, support our view that the observed B7‐2 1D zipper array is physiologically important. This observed 1D zipper‐like array also provides an explanation for its clustering, and upright orientation on the cell surface, and avoidance of spurious signaling.