A Conserved Acidic Residue in the C-Terminal Flexible Loop of HIV-1 Nef Contributes to the Activity of SERINC5 and CD4 Downregulation.

ABSTRACT: The host transmembrane protein SERINC5 is incorporated into retrovirus particles and inhibits HIV-1 infectivity. The lentiviral Nef protein counteracts SERINC5 by downregulating it from the cell surface and preventing its incorporation into virions. The ability of Nef to antagonize the host factor varies in magnitude between different HIV-1 isolates. After having identified a subtype H nef allele unable to promote HIV-1 infectivity in the presence of SERINC5, we investigated the molecular determinants responsible for the defective counteraction of the host factor. Chimeric molecules with a subtype C Nef highly active against SERINC5 were constructed to locate Nef residues crucial for the activity against SERINC5. An Asn at the base of the C-terminal loop of the defective nef

SUBMITTER: Firrito C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10057511 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature