The function and evolution of the restriction factor Viperin in primates was not driven by lentiviruses.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Viperin, also known as RSAD2, is an interferon-inducible protein that potently restricts a broad range of different viruses such as influenza, hepatitis C virus, human cytomegalovirus and West Nile virus. Viperin is thought to affect virus budding by modification of the lipid environment within the cell. Since HIV-1 and other retroviruses depend on lipid domains of the host cell for budding and infectivity, we investigated the possibility that Viperin also restricts human immunodeficiency virus and other retroviruses.

Results

Like other host restriction factors that have a broad antiviral range, we find that viperin has also been evolving under positive selection in primates. The pattern of positive selection is indicative of Viperin's escape from multiple viral a

SUBMITTER: Lim ES 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3414838 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature