P09-10. Impact of CTL escape mutations in HIV-1 Nef on viral replication.

Background HIV-1 Nef is a multifunctional protein frequently targeted by host CD8+ T cell responses in early and chronic phases of HIV-1 infection. In vivo reversions of CTL escape mutations within Nef have been reported, suggesting a possible impact of immune-selected mutations in Nef on viral fitness. The goal of this work was to determine whether CD8+ T cell selected mutations in regions outside of Gag, such as in Nef, also impair viral replication and may thus contribute to early immune control of HIV-1.