Vpu Protein: The Viroporin Encoded by HIV-1

Viruses

María Eugenia González¹ 

[1] Unidad de Expresión Viral, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Carretera de Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km 2, Majadahonda, Madrid 28220, Spain;

关键词: Vpu;    HIV-1;    Viroporin;    protein trafficking;    membrane permeability;    ion transport;    membrane pore;    antiretroviral target;   

DOI  :  10.3390/v7082824

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Viral protein U (Vpu) is a lentiviral viroporin encoded by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and some simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) strains. This small protein of 81 amino acids contains a single transmembrane domain that allows for supramolecular organization via homoligomerization or interaction with other proteins. The topology and trafficking of Vpu through subcellular compartments result in pleiotropic effects in host cells. Notwithstanding the high variability of its amino acid sequence, the functionality of Vpu is well conserved in pandemic virus isolates. This review outlines our current knowledge on the interactions of Vpu with the host cell. The regulation of cellular physiology by Vpu and the validity of this viroporin as a therapeutic target are also discussed.

【 授权许可】

Unknown