Effect of extension of the cytoplasmic domain of human immunodeficiency type 1 virus transmembrane protein gp41 on virus replication.

ABSTRACT: The biological significance of the presence of a long cytoplasmic domain in the envelope (Env) transmembrane protein gp41 of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is still not fully understood. Here we examined the effects of cytoplasmic tail elongation on virus replication and characterized the role of the C-terminal cytoplasmic tail in interactions with the Gag protein. Extensions with six and nine His residues but not with fewer than six His residues were found to severely inhibit virus replication through decreased Env electrophoretic mobility and reduced Env incorporation compared to the wild-type virus. These two mutants also exhibited distinct N glycosylation and reduced cell surface expression. An extension of six other residues had no deleterious effect on infectivity, even

SUBMITTER: Chan WE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC400382 | biostudies-literature | 2004 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature