Molecular basis of nonpathogenic state in HIV-1-infected northern pig-tailed macaques

The northern pig-tailed macaque is susceptible to HIV-1 infection but shows a non-pathogenic state. To understand the interaction between this macaque and HIV-1, we delivered a de novo genome of this species and longitudinal transcriptome during the course of HIV-1 infections. In comparative genomic analyses, we identified a positively selected gene, TLR8, evolves a weak ability to induce inflammatory response in this macaque. Additionally, we identified an IFN-stimulated gene, IFI27, it was up-regulated in acute HIV-1 infection, has acquired an enhanced ability to inhibit HIV-1 replication compared to its human ortholog. These findings coincide with the observations of persistently down-regulated immune activation and low viral replication, and can explain non-pathogenic state in this macaque after HIV-1 infection, and facilitate development of animal model for HIV-1/AIDS.