Individuals Who Do Not Express CCR5 are Highly Resistant to Infection

Question

Individuals who do not express CCR5 are highly resistant to infection by HIV.

Accepted Answer

CCR5 is a co-receptor that facilitates entry of HIV into cells. Individuals who do not express CCR5 due to a genetic mutation are highly resistant to HIV infection. This has been demonstrated in studies of individuals with this mutation who have been repeatedly exposed to HIV but remain uninfected.