MDR1 C3435T genetic polymorphism does not influence the response to antiretroviral therapy in drug-naive HIV-positive patients

P-glycoprotein, a membrane-localized protein transporter, codified by the MDR1 gene, influences the response to pharmacological treatments, including antiretroviral drugs. MDR1 polymorphism C3435T is correlated with the functionality of the protein. We investigated the influence of this polymorphism in the reconstitution of the peripheral CD4 T cell pool in 149 drug-naive HIV-positive patients starting highly active antiretroviral therapy. The MDR1 C3435T polymorphism did not influence response to therapy, suggesting no disadvantages for individuals with a different genotype.