- Serrano-Rísquez, Carmen;
- Omar, Mohamed;
- Rallón, Norma;
- Benito, José;
- Gómez-Vidal, Amparo;
- Márquez, Francisco;
- Alján, Martina;
- Rivero-Juárez, Antonio;
- Pérez-Valero, Ignacio;
- Rivero, Antonio;
- Sinangil, Faruk;
- Saulle, Irma;
- Biasin, Mara;
- Clerici, Mario;
- Forthal, Donald;
- Saéz, Maria;
- Caruz, Antonio
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I/killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genotypes influence human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) disease progression and viral load, but their role in primary infection is uncertain. Inconsistent results from previous studies suggest that the inoculum size and transmission route-parenteral versus sexual-may influence this association. We conducted a genome-wide association study in a population of people with HIV-1 and HIV-1-exposed seronegative individuals exposed to the virus through the sexual route. Our data do not support any role of the HLA/KIR system in susceptibility to sexually transmitted HIV-1 infection. The genetics basis of HIV-1 viral load and disease progression are distinct from the genetics of HIV resistance, a paradox worth exploring.