AUTHOR=Pang Xiaoxia , Chen Xinghong , Jing Yuxin , Shi Feng , Chen Xiaoying , Huang Huatuo , Liu Chunhong 

TITLE=Integrated bioinformatics analysis identifies hub genes and immune regulatory networks in HIV infection

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1600713

DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2025.1600713

ISSN=1664-3224

ABSTRACT=IntroductionAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic and life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which severely weakens the immune system. Despite advances in treatment, AIDS remains incurable. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying AIDS progression is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Therefore, this study aims to identify hub genes associated with AIDS susceptibility and progression, as well as to elucidate potential molecular mechanisms involved.MethodsWe used the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset GSE76246 for this study. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened, and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was employed to construct gene modules associated with HIV infection. Hub genes were identified using the CytoHubba plugin, and their expression profiles were assessed using box plots. The diagnostic potential of these genes was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Functional enrichment and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were conducted to identify key biological pathways. Additionally, we analyzed immune cell infiltration and constructed drug-gene interaction, miRNA and transcription factor (TF) regulatory networks.Results101 intersection genes were identified by combining DEGs, Oxidative stress genes and module genes from WGCNA. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted key pathways, including oxidative stress response and apoptotic signaling. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis identified 10 hub genes (TP53, AKT1, JUN, CTNNB1, PXDN, MAPK3, FOS, MMP9, FOXO1, STAT1), which showed strong diagnostic potential, as evidenced by ROC curve analysis. Immune infiltration analysis revealed significant associations between hub genes and various immune cell populations. Furthermore, drug-gene interaction analysis predicted several potential therapeutic compounds. Additionally, miRNA and TF regulatory networks were constructed, identifying critical regulatory elements influencing the expression of hub genes.ConclusionThis study identified ten hub genes (TP53, AKT1, JUN, CTNNB1, PXDN, MAPK3, FOS, MMP9, FOXO1, STAT1) that play crucial roles in HIV infection and progression. These genes serve as potential biomarkers for HIV diagnosis and therapeutic targets.