Restriction by APOBEC3 proteins of endogenous retroviruses with an extracellular life cycle: ex vivo effects and in vivo 'traces' on the murine IAPE and human HERV-K elements
2008

How APOBEC3 Proteins Affect Retroviruses

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Cécile Esnault, Stéphane Priet, David Ribet, Odile Heidmann, Thierry Heidmann

Primary Institution: Institut Gustave Roussy

Hypothesis

APOBEC3 proteins restrict the infectivity of endogenous retroviruses with an extracellular life cycle.

Conclusion

APOBEC3 proteins restrict the replication of IAPE and HERV-K retroviruses during their entry and integration into host genomes.

Supporting Evidence

  • APOBEC3 proteins were shown to restrict the infectivity of both murine IAPE and human HERV-K.
  • G-to-A editing signatures were observed in the proviruses, indicating APOBEC3 activity.
  • In silico analysis revealed traces of APOBEC3 editing in the genomes of IAPE and HERV-K.

Takeaway

APOBEC3 proteins help protect our cells from certain viruses by editing their DNA, making it harder for them to replicate.

Methodology

The study used ex vivo assays to test the effects of APOBEC3 proteins on the infectivity of IAPE and HERV-K elements.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on specific retroviruses and may not generalize to all retroviruses.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.03

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1742-4690-5-75

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