Abstract:
This invention relates to methods for predicting replication capacity of a virus based on genotype and identifying targets for antiviral therapy by identifying mutations associated with altered replication capacity. The methods are useful, for example, for identifying previously unknown interactions among viral molecules or between viral molecules and host cell molecules that are essential to viral infection and/or replication. By identifying such interactions, novel targets for antiviral therapy can be identified. In another aspect, the invention provides a method for determining that an HIV has an altered replication capacity. In certain embodiments, the method comprises detecting a mutation in a codon of gag that is selected from the group consisting of 437, 439, 441, 442, 454, 478, 479, and 484. In certain embodiments, the mutation is selected from the group consisting of I437L, P439S, E454V, P478L, and I479K In certain embodiments, the mutation is in a codon of gag that is selected from the group consisting of 418, 456, 456, 453, 418, 483, 481, 465, 429, 484, 481, 483, 484, 465, 454, 442, 479, 418, 479, and 486.