Real-Time Visualization of HIV-1 GAG Trafficking in Infected Macrophages
2008
Tracking HIV-1 Gag in Infected Macrophages
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Gousset Karine, Ablan Sherimay D., Coren Lori V., Ono Akira, Soheilian Ferri, Nagashima Kunio, Ott David E., Freed Eric O.
Primary Institution: National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
Hypothesis
The study aims to define the trafficking pathway of HIV-1 Gag in infected macrophages.
Conclusion
HIV-1 Gag accumulates at the plasma membrane and in internal compartments, which are presented to uninfected target cells at virological synapses.
Supporting Evidence
- HIV-1 Gag is necessary for the assembly of new virus particles.
- The study visualized Gag trafficking in living macrophages using a novel labeling technique.
- Gag was found to accumulate at the plasma membrane and in internal compartments.
- Internal Gag was rapidly translocated to synapses with uninfected T cells.
- The findings suggest a mechanism for HIV-1 transmission between cells.
Takeaway
The study shows how HIV-1 Gag moves inside infected cells and how it can be passed to other cells during infection.
Methodology
The study used a biarsenical-tetracysteine labeling system to visualize Gag trafficking in living macrophages.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website