Nef: agent of cell subversion

Microbes Infect. 2002 Feb;4(2):189-99. doi: 10.1016/s1286-4579(01)01527-1.

Abstract

Primate lentiviruses encode a small protein designated Nef that has been shown to be a major determinant of virus pathogenicity. Nef regulates multiple host factors in order to optimize the cellular environment for virus replication. The mechanisms by which this small protein modulates distinct host cell properties provide intriguing insight into the intricate interaction between virus and host.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • CD4 Antigens / metabolism
  • Down-Regulation
  • Gene Products, nef / physiology*
  • HIV / genetics
  • HIV / pathogenicity*
  • HIV / physiology
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Primates / virology
  • Simian Immunodeficiency Virus / genetics
  • Simian Immunodeficiency Virus / pathogenicity*
  • Simian Immunodeficiency Virus / physiology
  • nef Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Substances

  • CD4 Antigens
  • Gene Products, nef
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • nef Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus