title: Interactions of viral protein U (Vpu) with cellular factors.
abstract: Viral protein U (Vpu) is encoded by one of several accessory genes of HIV-1. Like the accessory gene products Vif and Vpr, Vpu targets host proteins such as CD4 for degradation via the recruitment of cellular multi-subunit ubiquitin ligases. Vpu also forms ion channels in cellular membranes. Through one or both of these attributes, Vpu antagonizes host cell factors that restrict the release of progeny virions from infected cells. A key target of Vpu has recently been identified as the interferon-induced transmembrane protein BST-2/CD317 (tetherin), which restricts viral replication by retaining nascent virions on the cell surface. The counteraction of this host defense allows Vpu to be considered an antagonist of the innate immune response to viral infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego and the San Diego Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0679, USA. jguatelli@ucsd.edu
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Guatelli
mesh_terms: D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / Q000378:metabolism; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000378:metabolism; D058851:GPI-Linked Proteins; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D054298:Human Immunodeficiency Virus Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D057131:Immune Evasion; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D021381:Protein Transport; D054334:Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D057074:Virus Release; D044844:beta-Transducin Repeat-Containing Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D000074010:Bone Marrow Stromal Antigen 2; D000086082:Viroporin Proteins
chemical_list: D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D015703:Antigens, CD; D058851:GPI-Linked Proteins; D054298:Human Immunodeficiency Virus Proteins; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D054334:Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins; D044844:beta-Transducin Repeat-Containing Proteins; C094572:BST2 protein, human; D000074010:Bone Marrow Stromal Antigen 2; C089404:CAMLG protein, human; C514859:vpu protein, Human immunodeficiency virus 1; D000086082:Viroporin Proteins