A novel gene of HIV-1, vpu, and its 16-kilodalton product.
A 16-kilodalton protein expressed in cells producing the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) was identified as the gene product of the vpu open reading frame. When expressed in vitro, the 81-amino acid vpu protein reacted with about one-third of the serum samples from AIDS patients that were tested, indicating that the vpu open reading frame is expressed in vivo as well. Introduction of a frame-shift mutation into the vpu open reading frame did not significantly interfere with expression of the major viral proteins in a transient expression system. However, a five- to tenfold reduction in progeny virions was observed after the infection of T lymphocytes with the mutant virus. These data suggest that the vpu gene product is required for efficient virus replication and may have a role in assembly or maturation of progeny virions.
Strebel
K
K
Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Klimkait
T
T
Martin
M A
MA
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology; D001483:Base Sequence; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D005814:Genes, Viral; D006678:HIV / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007106:Immune Sera / Q000276:immunology; D007118:Immunoassay; D009154:Mutation; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000382:microbiology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D014779:Virus Replication
D004279:DNA, Viral; D007106:Immune Sera; D012367:RNA, Viral; D014764:Viral Proteins