T cells contain an RNase-insensitive inhibitor of APOBEC3G deaminase activity
2007

T Cells Have a Factor That Inhibits APOBEC3G Activity

publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Beth K. Thielen, Kevin C. Klein, Lorne W. Walker, Mary Rieck, Jane H. Buckner, Garrett W. Tomblingson, Jaisri R. Lingappa

Primary Institution: University of Washington

Hypothesis

What regulates the deaminase activity of endogenous APOBEC3G in human T cells?

Conclusion

The study found that T cells express an unidentified factor that inhibits the deaminase activity of APOBEC3G, leading to reduced hypermutation of HIV.

Supporting Evidence

  • Endogenous APOBEC3G in T cells showed significantly lower deaminase activity compared to exogenous APOBEC3G in epithelial cells.
  • T cell lysates inhibited the enzymatic activity of exogenously expressed APOBEC3G.
  • The specific deaminase activity of endogenous APOBEC3G in T cells was found to be 36-fold lower than that of exogenous APOBEC3G.

Takeaway

T cells have a special blocker that stops a protein called APOBEC3G from working properly, which helps keep the virus from making too many mistakes.

Methodology

The researchers compared the deaminase activity of endogenous and exogenous APOBEC3G in various human cell lines using standard and high-throughput assays.

Limitations

The specific identity of the inhibitor in T cells remains unknown.

Participant Demographics

The study involved human T cell lines and primary CD4+ T cells.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.ppat.0030135

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication