title: HIV-1 uncoating: connection to nuclear entry and regulation by host proteins.
abstract: The RNA genome of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is enclosed by a capsid shell that dissociates within the cell in a multistep process known as uncoating, which influences completion of reverse transcription of the viral genome. Double-stranded viral DNA is imported into the nucleus for integration into the host genome, a hallmark of retroviral infection. Reverse transcription, nuclear entry, and integration are coordinated by a capsid uncoating process that is regulated by cellular proteins. Although uncoating is not well understood, recent studies have revealed insights into the process, particularly with respect to nuclear import pathways and protection of the viral genome from DNA sensors. Understanding uncoating will be valuable toward developing novel antiretroviral therapies for HIV-infected individuals.
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. Electronic address: zaa4@pitt.edu.
authors.forename: Zandrea
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Ambrose
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Aiken
mesh_terms: D021581:Active Transport, Cell Nucleus; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000502:physiology*; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D048348:Reverse Transcription; D016662:Virus Integration; D057646:Virus Uncoating
keywords: Capsid; HIV-1; Human immunodefiency virus; Nuclear entry; Uncoating; Virus–host interactions