Calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand does not restrict retrovirus release.

摘要

To the Editor:The HIV-1 accessory protein Vpu is required for efficient viral release from certain cell lines (termed nonpermissive) but not from others (termed permissive). Neil et al. showed that restricted viral release in nonpermissive cells is due to expression of the cellular protein tetherin (also called BST2, CD317 or HM1.24), which tethers viral particles to the cell surface by an unknown mechanism. Tetherin-dependent sequestration of viral particles is counteracted by Vpu1, in a process that is species specific and seems to encompass Vpu-mediated targeting of tetherin for degradation. Therefore, a precise understanding of how tetherin inhibits viral release and how this release-restricting activity is counteracted by Vpu might identify new targets for antiviral intervention.