Mammalian cell membranes have cysteine-cysteine chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) as a component. They are also referred to as CD195 and are popularly known for allowing in chemokines that signal cellular response during inflammation and after cellular damages [1] . The receptor (CCR5) is coded by a gene located in the human chromosome 3. Several known mutations of CCR5 result into damage of the expressed receptor either by deletion, insertion and or omission. The CCR5-Delta 32 (CCR5Δ32) is a damage resulting from a deletion of 32 base pairs of the CCR5 gene but the mutation is non-deleterious. This is unlike other genes that cause serious and harmful damages such as sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, diabetes when knocked out. CCR5Δ32 mutation is suspected to confer various advantages to the host in relationship to HIV acquisition [2] . Previous studies have shown that individuals having homozygosity in CCR5Δ32 are hindered from HIV acquisitions while their heterozygous counterparts are slow progressers of the disease [3] .

In human, the distribution of CCR5Δ32 has a high geographical variation indicating adaptive traits and the co-evolution of HIV and the human genome [4] . This mutation results into a shortened protein that cannot be expressed on the surface hence giving a perceived resistance to HIV-1 infection, which in turn hinders faster progression to AIDS among infected persons [5] .

Population genetic surveys earlier estimated the existence of CCR5Δ32 allele among the Europeans at 10% while it was found missing among the black populace except African Americans who descended from admixture with Europeans [1] [2] [6] . The estimates were reached upon studying equally minimal samples of 747 non-European individuals against 4000 European or Caucasian [6] .

A meta-analysis on the accrued data on the distribution of CCR5Δ32 allele covering the critical HIV study period would help in generating statistics for advising on the best method to counter the spread of HIV across different populations. It would further assist in formulating a much better way of channeling prevention and treatment strategies taking into consideration current frequent travels across the globe and possible cross infections and gene flow among travelers.

A total of 544 relevant and non-duplicate articles were retrieved. From this, 144 articles were subjected to further analysis. The final 37 articles with 17,353 participants were accepted for inclusion in the meta-analysis (Figure 1). The search was conducted in two main phases; first a group of three reviewers independently cataloguing articles as per the agreed criteria. The result of the initial phase was cross checked by an independent reviewer to ensure an agreement accuracy of 90% and above. The second phase involved full text review and confirmation for inclusion suitability. Uncertainties and conflict of opinions were discussed and resolved in consensus by the reviewers.

Major and complete studies available for review were realized among the Caucasian population totaling to eighteen (18). The earliest study to be reviewed was conducted by Martison and group in 1997. It was done after successful characterization of the mutant allele and on realization that isolated cases of HIV positive homozygotes were still emerging. This study involved 3324 unrelated individuals from a globally distributed population and remains the largest so far in this review; studies that followed are relatively smaller and not so globally constituted. Nine studies with complete genotyped individuals were available for analysis from Asia while six studies covered Africa population and four studies under the ungrouped (others) category (Table 1). The largest share of the population reviewed were the Caucasians at 50% with a total of 52 CCR5Δ32 Homozygotes (Figure 2).

From the forest plot, there is a clear indication that most studies reviewed and meta-analyzed were from Caucasians population (Figure 3). These studies carried a lot of weight and significance as evidenced by the size and visibility of the small squares in the plot. With heterogeneity at 62%, it is observable that being a Caucasian is a factor for CCR5Δ32 homozygosity hence it can be assumed that this is a protected population in terms of the allele. With heterogeneity at 31% being an Asian is not a sure factor for CCR5Δ32 homozygosity hence no protection from HIV infection; few cases presenting the allele here could be as a result of gene flow or descendants of admixture with Caucasians. Scanty data was seen among the African population, out of six studies analyzed only three had events complete for estimation, others were at zero for both homozygosity and heterozygosity. Studies carried out among African population had heterogeneity of 0% hence being an African is clearly not a factor for CCR5Δ32 homozygosity. The overall outcome for all the populations meta-analyzed indicates that race can be a factor that determines CCR5Δ32 homozygosity or heterozygosity and it highly favors the Caucasians.

A correlation and a strong indication that CCR5Δ32 homozygosity can be a shield to HIV virulence is realized from the results of the analysis for both HIV Positive and HIV negative individuals genotyped (Figure 4).

Table1. Characteristics of all studies selected and grouped for review and meta-analysis (GP―General Population, SN―Seronegatives, SP―Seropositives, ESN―Exposed Seronegatives, HESN―Highly Exposed Seronegatives).

This review correlated data from studies on the distribution of CCR5Δ32 which is a natural selection allele acting in humans against HIV/AIDS as demonstrated by previous studies [6] . The result of this meta-analysis involving 37 articles with 17,253 participants from diverse backgrounds sheds great lights on the distribution of this allele globally as well its association with HIV-1 epidemiology. The study undoubtedly demonstrates that there is a wide knowledge gap on CCR5Δ32 especially in African where HIV burden is highest but further confirms that CCR5Δ32 heterozygosity does not protect individuals against HIV-1 infection but rather slows progression of the disease [16] [42] .

High concentration of studies on CCR5Δ32 is seen among the Caucasians. Globally 50% of the articles available for review covered this population while only three complete articles from African population were found representing less that 10%. Details from the study equally indicate that there is a likelihood of being homozygous of the allele when a Caucasian than any other race since most CCR5Δ32 homozygotes were Caucasians. However the few homozygotes seen among the Asian group could have been as a result of gene flow [6] . Notably, among African population no one was positive for the allele while in the remaining un-grouped population only one individual was present in Nigeria as recorded by Martison and group in 1997 [6] .

There is a possibility that the results in our study may be regionally and racially biased based on the data available online. Language bias, especially on manuscripts published in other languages other than English may also be another factor that could have affected our analysis.

This meta-analysis is in line with previous various studies and concludes that CCR5Δ32 is highly concentered among the Caucasians as compared to other populations. From the systematic review conducted; 91% of the total number of individuals who were found to be CCR5 homozygous are Caucasians and 50% of articles available for review were also from that same region. Likewise, results presented here indicate that Caucasians as compared to other populations are less susceptible to HIV virus infection due to the expression rates of CCR5Δ32 while the rest of the populations experience a much higher prevalence of the disease. However, scanty data experienced is Africa is a clear indication that minimal work has been done in trying to associate the allele and HIV infection in different populations. This study recommends further studies on relevant contextual factors including but not limited to social, economic and nutritional factors given that a lot of cross-border travels and inter-race marriages has occurred over the years. A mixture of population genetics and epidemiological studies can also be explored.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

Ongadi, B.A., Obiero, G., Lihana, R.W. and Kiiru, J.N. (2018) Distribution of Genetic Polymorphism in the CCR5 among Caucasians, Asians and Africans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Open Journal of Genetics, 8, 54-66. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojgen.2018.83006