CCR5-Δ-32
When HIV enters the body, it searches for CD4 cells.
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HIV enters the CD4 cell through the CCR5 protein which surrounds the CD4 cell. Some people have a genetic mutation (modification) in that protein. This mutation is called ‘delta-32’ or ‘Δ-32’. It is a mutation that occurs in a small group of people from Northern Europe, especially Sweden. The mutation is thousands of years old and was spread throughout Europe by the Vikings.
This mutation makes it much more difficult for HIV to attach itself to the CD4 cell and penetrate it. Approximately 10% of people with European ancestry have this mutation. It is more difficult for these people to contract HIV, and if they do it takes much longer for them to develop symptoms.
People whose parents both have this mutation are immune to HIV. If HIV enters these people’s bodies, it is unable to attach itself anywhere and the virus is simply flushed out. Approximately 1% of people with European ancestry are such ‘double carriers’ of the CCR5-delta-32 mutation.
This mutation makes it much more difficult for HIV to attach itself to the CD4 cell and penetrate it. Approximately 10% of people with European ancestry have this mutation. It is more difficult for these people to contract HIV, and if they do it takes much longer for them to develop symptoms.
People whose parents both have this mutation are immune to HIV. If HIV enters these people’s bodies, it is unable to attach itself anywhere and the virus is simply flushed out. Approximately 1% of people with European ancestry are such ‘double carriers’ of the CCR5-delta-32 mutation.