Potential Role of ATR in Slower AIDS Progression Associated With HIV-1 Vpr Mutant R77Q

Authors

Ava Wilstead, Brigham Young University - ProvoFollow
Sidney T. Sithole, Brigham Young University - Provo
Bradford K. Berges, Brigham Young University - ProvoFollow

Files

Keywords

HIV-1, Vpr, ATR, cell cycle, apoptosis

Abstract

HIV-1 typically induces necrotic T cell death, resulting in chronic inflammation that drives Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) progression. However, mutations in viral protein R (Vpr) are associated with altered disease outcomes. The HIV-1 Vpr mutant R77Q is linked to individuals that do not progress to AIDS without treatment, termed a longterm non-progressor (LTNP). The Berges lab has shown that R77Q infection results in reduced overall cell death compared to wild-type (WT) virus, while inducing increased apoptotic cell death.

BYU ScholarsArchive Citation

Wilstead, Ava; Sithole, Sidney T.; and Berges, Bradford K., "Potential Role of ATR in Slower AIDS Progression Associated With HIV-1 Vpr Mutant R77Q" (2026). Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2026. 17.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/library_studentposters_2026/17

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2026-03-26

Language

English

College

Life Sciences

Department

Microbiology and Molecular Biology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Sophomore

Copyright Use Information

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/