HIV: AIDS virus on the attack
Key points
- The AIDS virus, HIV-1, produces Vif (virion infectivity factor) protein during the late stages of infection.
- Sheehy et al. have now identified a human gene, CEM15, as the cellular target of Vif.
- Vif seems to inhibit an innate antiviral activity expressed in human T lymphocytes.
- Molecules that render the T-cell enzyme 'Vif-proof', or interfere with Vif's inhibitory function, could make ideal candidates for new anti-HIV drugs.
The AIDS virus, HIV-1, produces Vif (virion infectivity factor) protein during the late stages of infection. Vif seems to inhibit an innate antiviral activity expressed in human T lymphocytes.
Sheehy et al. have now identified a human gene, CEM15, as the cellular target of Vif. Molecules that render the T-cell enzyme 'Vif-proof', or interfere with Vif's inhibitory function, could make ideal candidates for new anti-HIV drugs. On the cover, immunofluorescent staining of an HIV-1-infected human macrophage with Vif in green.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
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