Distribution of the CCR5 gene 32-base pair deletion and CCR5 expression in Chinese minorities

China has an ethnically diverse population. Genetic differences may contribute to disparities in the efficiency of HIV transmission. To further characterize this risk, we examined the HIV-related genetic diversity in the predominant Han Chinese and in six minority groups. We searched for the Δ32-CCR5 mutation, a common cause of relative HIV resistance in the white population. In addition, CCR5 receptor expression was measured. Blood samples were obtained from adults belonging to the Han, Meng, Zang, Weiwuer, Zhuang, Yi, and Dai ethnic groups. Polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed on genomic DNA samples. Surface expression of CCR5 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells was measured by flow cytometry. One-way ANOVA was used to determine mean statistical differences. Samples from 10 members of each minority were examined. A Δ32-CCR5 heterozygote phenotype was detected in one Weiwuer subject, but no mutations were found in the other 69 subjects studied. The mean CCR5 expression of cells harvested from the Dai minority was greater than that of cells from all other minorities studied, for both CD3⁺CCR5⁺ and CD4⁺CCR5⁺ sets (p < .01, one-way ANOVA). The Δ32-CCR5 mutation seems to be rare in most Han Chinese and the minority populations studied. CCR5 expression appears to be greater in the Dai minority than in the other minorities investigated. The mechanism for this increased expression requires further study.