Huntingtin-Interacting Protein 1 Promotes Vpr-Induced G2 Arrest and HIV-1 Infection in Macrophages

Viruses. 2021 Nov 19;13(11):2308. doi: 10.3390/v13112308.

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) modulates the host cell cycle. The HIV-1 accessory protein Vpr arrests the cell cycle at the G2 phase in dividing cells, and the ability of Vpr to induce G2 arrest is well conserved among primate lentiviruses. Additionally, Vpr-mediated G2 arrest likely correlates with enhanced HIV-1 infection in monocyte-derived macrophages. Here, we screened small-interfering RNA to reveal candidates that suppress Vpr-induced G2 arrest and identified Huntingtin-interacting protein 1 (HIP1) required for efficient G2 arrest. Interestingly, HIP1 was not essential for Vpr-induced DNA double-strand breaks, which are required for activation of the DNA-damage checkpoint and G2 arrest. Furthermore, HIP1 knockdown suppressed HIV-1 infection in monocyte-derived macrophages. This study identifies HIP1 as a factor promoting Vpr-induced G2 arrest and HIV-1 infection in macrophages.

Keywords: G2 arrest; HIP1; HIV-1; Vpr; macrophage.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Cycle Checkpoints
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / immunology*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • HIV-1 / immunology*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Macrophages
  • Monocytes
  • RNA, Small Interfering*
  • Virus Replication
  • vpr Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / immunology*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • HIP1 protein, human
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • vpr Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
  • vpr protein, Human immunodeficiency virus 1