Does the HIV Nef protein mimic the MHC?
The sequence of the HIV Nef protein has no significant homology to other proteins in the SwissProt database, and experimental data concerning its function are sparse and contradictory. Using a novel protein sequence comparison method, we find similarities between different Nef sequences and the alpha chain of human MHC class I proteins. The possible biological implications of this finding are discussed.
Hobohm
U
U
European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany.
Sander
C
C
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000596:Amino Acids / Q000032:analysis; D016208:Databases, Factual; D015693:Gene Products, nef / Q000737:chemistry*; D006678:HIV; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex; D008954:Models, Biological; D017386:Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; D054311:nef Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
D000596:Amino Acids; D015693:Gene Products, nef; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D054311:nef Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus