Repression of MHC class I gene promoter activity by two-exon Tat of HIV.
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules are the major receptors for viral peptides and serve as targets for specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) specifically decreased activity of an MHC class I gene promoter up to 12-fold. Repression was effected by the HIV-1 Tat protein derived from a spliced viral transcript (two-exon Tat). These studies define an activity for two-exon Tat distinct from that of one-exon Tat and suggest a mechanism whereby HIV-1-infected cells might be able to avoid immune surveillance, allowing the virus to persist in the infected host.
Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892.
T K
TK
Howcroft
K
K
Strebel
M A
MA
Martin
D S
DS
Singer
D005091:Exons; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D015696:Gene Products, tat / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D005805:Genes, MHC Class I / Q000235:genetics*; D015756:Genes, tat; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000235:genetics*; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D012045:Regulatory Sequences, Nucleic Acid; D014162:Transfection; D054322:tat Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
D015696:Gene Products, tat; D054322:tat Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus