HIV-1 gp120 clade B treated astrocytoma cells uniquely expressed GRP78 (HSPA5) gene unlike gp120 clade C treatment, prompting a more protective and proliferative response in the case of HIV-1 gp120 clade B. Subsequently, we investigated the effect of the cell surface GRP78 chaperone and its contribution to induce a cellular proliferative response in HIV-1 gp120 clade B and C treated cells. The gene discussed is ITIH4; the disease is astrocytoma (excluding glioblastoma).