Challenging the Existing Model of the Hexameric HIV-1 Gag Lattice and MA Shell Superstructure: Implications for Viral Entry.

ABSTRACT: Despite type 1 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) being discovered in the early 1980s, significant knowledge gaps remain in our understanding of the superstructure of the HIV-1 matrix (MA) shell. Current viral assembly models assume that the MA shell originates via recruitment of group-specific antigen (Gag) polyproteins into a hexagonal lattice but fails to resolve and explain lattice overlapping that occurs when the membrane is folded into a spherical/ellipsoidal shape. It further fails to address how the shell recruits, interacts with and encompasses the viral spike envelope (Env) glycoproteins. These Env glycoproteins are crucial as they facilitate viral entry by interacting with receptors and coreceptors located on T-cells. In our previous publication, we proposed a six-lune hosohed

SUBMITTER: Santos JRL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8402665 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature