Abstract.
Using mathematical models to describe the in vivo dynamics of HTLV-I infection, an explanation is offered for the slow rate of evolution of HTLV-I relative to HIV-1. In agreement with experimental findings, it is assumed that cell activation is required for successful replication in T helper cells and that HTLV-I induces a significant degree of bystander activation. It is found that the rate of evolution of HTLV-I is limited by the restricted availability of activated uninfected T cells, both at high and low proviral loads. This limits the within-host sequence diversity of HTLV-I and may therefore account for the slow rate of evolution of the virus in the population. Specific differences in the in vivo dynamics of HTLV-I and HIV-1 are identified which may account for the discrepancy in the rate of evolution of these two retroviruses.
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Received: 7 September 1999 / Accepted: 6 December 1999
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Wodarz, D., Bangham, C. Evolutionary Dynamics of HTLV-I. J Mol Evol 50, 448–455 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002390010047
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002390010047