Viral protein U counteracts a human host cell restriction that inhibits HIV-1 particle production
Abstract
Human cells resist viral infections by a variety of mechanisms. Viruses must overcome host cell restrictions to successfully reproduce their genetic material. Here, we identify a host restriction to viral replication that acts at the stage of particle assembly. Viral protein U (Vpu) is an HIV-1 accessory protein that enhances particle assembly and release in most human cells, but not in simian cells. By using human-simian cell heterokaryons, we show that the inhibition of assembly in human cells is dominant. Vpu overcomes the block to assembly in human cells and in human-simian heterokaryons. The HIV-1 vpu gene may have evolved to counteract an assembly restriction that is present in human cells.
- Publication:
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- December 2003
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.2433165100
- Bibcode:
- 2003PNAS..10015154V
- Keywords:
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- Microbiology