Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and several simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIV) encode for a transmembrane protein known as Vpu (viral protein U). While one of the smallest of the HIV-1 proteins, it has two important functions within virus-infected cells. The first of these functions is the down-regulation of the CD4 receptor to prevent its interaction with the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein. Vpu interacts with the CD4 receptor in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), resulting in its re-translocation across the RER and subsequent degradation via the proteasomal pathway. The second major function of the Vpu protein is to facilitate release of virus from infected cells. Previous studies have shown that virus release is cell type specific, suggesting that certain cells may express a restriction factor that inhibits virus release in the absence of Vpu. Recently, bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (BST- 2/HM1.24/CD317/tetherin) has been identified as this factor. This review will focus on new findings within the last four years on the role of Vpu in CD4 down-regulation and the restriction of virus release from cells. We will relate these findings to virus pathogenesis and propose questions regarding BST-2 as a restriction factor.
Keywords: HIV-1, Vpu, CD4 down-regulation, BST-2, enhanced virion release, simian immunodeficiency virus
Current HIV Research
Title: The Vpu Protein: New Concepts in Virus Release and CD4 Down-Modulation
Volume: 8 Issue: 3
Author(s): Autumn Ruiz, John C. Guatelli and Edward B. Stephens
Affiliation:
Keywords: HIV-1, Vpu, CD4 down-regulation, BST-2, enhanced virion release, simian immunodeficiency virus
Abstract: Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and several simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIV) encode for a transmembrane protein known as Vpu (viral protein U). While one of the smallest of the HIV-1 proteins, it has two important functions within virus-infected cells. The first of these functions is the down-regulation of the CD4 receptor to prevent its interaction with the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein. Vpu interacts with the CD4 receptor in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), resulting in its re-translocation across the RER and subsequent degradation via the proteasomal pathway. The second major function of the Vpu protein is to facilitate release of virus from infected cells. Previous studies have shown that virus release is cell type specific, suggesting that certain cells may express a restriction factor that inhibits virus release in the absence of Vpu. Recently, bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (BST- 2/HM1.24/CD317/tetherin) has been identified as this factor. This review will focus on new findings within the last four years on the role of Vpu in CD4 down-regulation and the restriction of virus release from cells. We will relate these findings to virus pathogenesis and propose questions regarding BST-2 as a restriction factor.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Ruiz Autumn, Guatelli John C. and Stephens Edward B., The Vpu Protein: New Concepts in Virus Release and CD4 Down-Modulation, Current HIV Research 2010; 8 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157016210791111124
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157016210791111124 |
Print ISSN 1570-162X |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4251 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Management of HIV: Management of HIV: old challenges and new needs
The aim of this thematic issue is to provide the most recent updates regarding the effective management of HIV infection. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly decreased HIV-related mortality, leading to an enhancement in the quality of life and life expectancy for people living with HIV (PLWH). Despite the numerous advancements ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Neurotrophic Factor Treatment After Spinal Root Avulsion Injury
Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Angiogenesis Inhibitors and Radiation in Multimodality Cancer Therapy: Preclinical and Clinical Studies
Current Angiogenesis (Discontinued) Historical Spice as a Future Drug: Therapeutic Potential of Piperlongumine
Current Pharmaceutical Design Nanoparticles in Cancer
Current Radiopharmaceuticals Gene Therapy for Chronic Granulomatous Disease: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Current Gene Therapy Stem Cell-Based Immunomodulation in Type 1 Diabetes: Beyond the Regenerative Approach
Current Pharmaceutical Design Viral Vector-Mediated Gene Therapy for Hemophilia
Current Gene Therapy STAT3: A Potential Drug Target for Tumor and Inflammation
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry MicroRNAs as Diagnostic, Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers of Cardiac Disease
Recent Patents on Biomarkers Gene Therapy of Cancer with Interleukin-12
Current Pharmaceutical Design Targeting mTOR Signaling Pathway in Ovarian Cancer
Current Medicinal Chemistry Anti-Angiogenic Therapy as a Cancer Treatment Paradigm
Current Medicinal Chemistry - Anti-Cancer Agents Targeting ABCB1 and ABCC1 with their Specific Inhibitor CBT-1<sup>®</sup> can Overcome Drug Resistance in Osteosarcoma
Current Cancer Drug Targets Subject Index To Volume 8
Protein & Peptide Letters Emerging Breast Cancer Biomarkers
Current Cancer Therapy Reviews Molecular Aspects of Resistance to Biological and Non-Biological Drugs and Strategies to Overcome Resistance in Colorectal Cancer
Current Medicinal Chemistry Applications of Polymeric Nanocapsules in Field of Drug Delivery Systems
Current Drug Discovery Technologies Potential and Perspectives of Cyclonucleosides
Current Medicinal Chemistry Active-Targeted Nanotherapy Strategies for Prostate Cancer
Current Cancer Drug Targets Vaccines and Vaccine Strategies Against HIV
Current Drug Targets