Understanding the process of envelope glycoprotein incorporation into virions in simian and feline immunodeficiency viruses

Viruses. 2014 Jan 16;6(1):264-83. doi: 10.3390/v6010264.

Abstract

The lentiviral envelope glycoproteins (Env) mediate virus entry by interacting with specific receptors present at the cell surface, thereby determining viral tropism and pathogenesis. Therefore, Env incorporation into the virions formed by assembly of the viral Gag polyprotein at the plasma membrane of the infected cells is a key step in the replication cycle of lentiviruses. Besides being useful models of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in humans and valuable tools for developing AIDS therapies and vaccines, simian and feline immunodeficiency viruses (SIV and FIV, respectively) are relevant animal retroviruses; the study of which provides important information on how lentiviral replication strategies have evolved. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the incorporation of the SIV and FIV Env glycoproteins into viral particles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cell Membrane / virology
  • Immunodeficiency Virus, Feline / physiology*
  • Simian Immunodeficiency Virus / physiology*
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / metabolism*
  • Virus Assembly*

Substances

  • Viral Envelope Proteins