A Single Amino Acid of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 2 Capsid Protein Affects Conformation of Two External Loops and Viral Sensitivity to TRIM5α
2011

HIV-2 Capsid Protein and Its Sensitivity to TRIM5α

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Miyamoto Tadashi, Yokoyama Masaru, Kono Ken, Shioda Tatsuo, Sato Hironori, Nakayama Emi E.

Primary Institution: Department of Viral infections, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University

Hypothesis

How does a single amino acid in the HIV-2 capsid protein affect its sensitivity to the TRIM5α antiviral factor?

Conclusion

The study found that the amino acid at position 120 of the HIV-2 capsid protein significantly influences the virus's sensitivity to TRIM5α.

Supporting Evidence

  • Mutant HIV-2 viruses were created to test the effect of different amino acids at position 120.
  • Viruses with hydrophobic or ring-structured residues were sensitive to TRIM5α.
  • The study revealed a structural basis for the differential sensitivities of the viruses.

Takeaway

The study shows that changing one part of a virus can make it easier or harder for the body's defenses to fight it.

Methodology

The researchers generated mutant HIV-2 viruses with different amino acids at position 120 and tested their sensitivity to TRIM5α.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on a specific amino acid and may not account for other factors influencing viral sensitivity.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0022779

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