Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection requires reverse transcription of nascent viral RNA.
We have previously shown that during human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in vitro continued reverse transcription is required for stable HIV-1 production, but entry by progeny virus is not. To determine the source of the viral RNA reverse-transcribed late in infection, we employed inhibitors of HIV-1 transmission, reverse transcription, and proteolysis of the Gag-Pol polyprotein to interrupt HIV-1 infection in vitro. The kinetics of synthesis of viral DNA, RNA, and proteins was examined. During single-cycle infection, inhibition of reverse transcription 24-72 hr after infection delayed production of viral RNA and protein 10 days. Although viral DNA was detected in Southern blots, inhibition of Gag-Pol processing or transient inhibition of reverse transcription blocked its expression. We propose that after initial reverse transcription of input virion RNA is complete, newly synthesized HIV-1 RNA is reverse-transcribed before its export in virions to yield the viral DNA required for stable HIV-1 production.
Potash
M J
MJ
Molecular Virology Laboratory, St. Luke's/Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY.
Li
G
G
Shahabuddin
M
M
Pellegrino
M G
MG
Volsky
D J
DJ
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000235:genetics*; D017320:HIV Protease Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007546:Isoquinolines / Q000494:pharmacology; D011804:Quinolines / Q000494:pharmacology; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics*; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000378:metabolism; D019258:Saquinavir; D013997:Time Factors; D014771:Virion / Q000378:metabolism; D014779:Virus Replication
D004279:DNA, Viral; D017320:HIV Protease Inhibitors; D007546:Isoquinolines; D011804:Quinolines; D012367:RNA, Viral; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase; D019258:Saquinavir