The role of matrix in HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein incorporation

Trends Microbiol. 2014 Jul;22(7):372-8. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2014.04.012. Epub 2014 Jun 2.

Abstract

Incorporation of the viral envelope (Env) glycoprotein is a critical requirement for the production of infectious HIV-1 particles. It has long been appreciated that the matrix (MA) domain of the Gag polyprotein and the cytoplasmic tail of Env are central players in the process of Env incorporation, but the precise mechanisms have been elusive. Several recent developments have thrown light on the contributions of both proteins, prompting a re-evaluation of the role of MA during Env incorporation. The two domains appear to play distinct but complementary roles, with the cytoplasmic tail of Env responsible for directing Env to the site of assembly and the matrix domain accommodating the cytoplasmic tail of Env in the Gag lattice.

Keywords: HIV-1; assembly; envelope; matrix; packaging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • HIV Antigens / metabolism*
  • HIV-1 / physiology*
  • Protein Binding
  • Virus Assembly*
  • env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / metabolism*
  • gag Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / metabolism*

Substances

  • HIV Antigens
  • env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
  • gag Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
  • p17 protein, Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1