Bardeskar NS, et al. - Given that, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules have been shown to influence transmission as well as the progression of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) towards acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), researchers assessed the association of HLA-C with HIV-1 transmission in discordant couple and mother-to-child cohorts. They found that, both HIV-1-infected spouses and infants vs exposed uninfected spouses and infants had higher HLA-C*07, albeit not significant. HIV-1-exposed uninfected babies vs infected babies had a significantly higher HLA-C*15. Remarkably associations of lack of treatment in mothers and breastfeeding, with HIV-1 transmission, were observed. Independent of feeding options and treatment, HLA-C*07 could be a susceptible allele in HIV-1 transmission, whereas HLA-C*15 could be a protective allele in mother-to-child cohorts.