HIV-1 genotypes and phenotypes associated with mother to child transmission

Many viral as well as host factors can be associated with the risk of HIV-1 mother to child transmission (MTCT). The better understanding of such factors as well as the molecular interactions involved will ultimately lead to the development of new products with the capacity to inhibit transmission. In this thesis we aimed to better define the viral gp120 envelope characteristics, both genotypic and phenotypic, associated with HIV-1 transmission and more so via the MTCT route. We also aimed to address whether the anti-malarial drug chloroquine (CQ) can be used to modulate HIV-1 gp120 envelope characteristics associated with HIV-1 infection and whether this drug could be effective at lowering HIV-1 loads in breastfeeding mothers.