A Highly Conserved Residue in HIV-1 Nef Alpha Helix 2 Modulates Protein Expression.

ABSTRACT: Extensive genetic diversity is a defining characteristic of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and poses a significant barrier to the development of an effective vaccine. To better understand the impact of this genetic diversity on the HIV-1 pathogenic factor Nef, we compiled a panel of reference strains from the NIH Los Alamos HIV Database. Initial sequence analysis identified point mutations at Nef residues 13, 84, and 92 in subtype C reference strain C.BR92025 from Brazil. Functional analysis revealed impaired major histocompatibility complex class I and CD4 downregulation of strain C.BR92025 Nef, which corresponded to decreased protein expression. Metabolic labeling demonstrated that strain C.BR92025 Nef has a greater rate of protein turnover than subtype B reference strain B.

SUBMITTER: Johnson AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5103047 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature