Nef Binds p6* in GagPol during Replication of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), the causative agent of AIDS, encodes 16 distinct proteins that are expressed differentially during the viral replicative cycle. Initially, the early regulatory proteins Tat and Rev and the socalled negative effector (Nef) are translated from multiply spliced mRNA species. During late phases, singly spliced or unspliced transcripts direct the expression of viral accessory proteins (viral proteins R and U [Vpr and Vpu] and viral infectivity factor [Vif]), as well as structural group-specific antigen (Gag), Gag and polymerase (GagPol), and envelope (Env) polyproteins (see reference 20 and references therein).

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Nef: Adapting to Intracellular Trafficking Pathways

“…In support of this idea, a recent study reported that Nef affected the membrane trafficking and proteolytic processing of HIV Env (138). Also, it has been reported that Nef binds to Gag-Pol via the C-terminal flexible loop (34). Finally, Nef was recently shown to increase the localization of viral glycoproteins on endosomal membranes in producer cells and to also increase the incorporation of these molecules into viral particles (135).…”

Uncoupling Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 gag and pol Reading Frames: Role of the Transframe Protein p6* in Viral Replication

“…In this regard, p6* has also been proposed to be a possible binding partner of the viral Nef protein, the major pathogenicity factor during HIV infection (9). However, the target site within p6* for Nef interaction has not been mapped so far.…”

Pol-Specific CD8 + T Cells Recognize Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Cells Prior to Nef-Mediated Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Downregulation

“…The 160-kDa Gag-Pol protein contains the polencoded transframe (TF) protein and the essential viral enzymes protease (PR), reverse transcriptase (RT), and integrase (IN), which are efficiently packaged into the viral particle. Through an interaction with the C terminus of Nef, the TF protein of the Gag-Pol precursor in turn packages Nef into the virion (8).…”