Question

Briefly discuss the functions of each of the lentiviral-specific genes. Would Nef be the best target for developing a new antiviral. Do you agree? Explain.

i believe this quitaron has too do with hiv/aids infection mechanisms but unsure how to answer

Answer 1

Functions of the lentiviral - specific genes :-

• Tat : It acts as a main trans - activator. It is a regulatory gene that enhances the efficiency of viral transcription.
• Rev : It is important for the synthesis of major viral proteins.
• Nef : It stands for "Negative Factor". It manipulates the host's cellular machinery and thus allows infection, survival and replication of the virus.
• Vpr : It plays an important role in regulating nuclear import of the HIV - 1 pre-integration complex and helps in the replication of virus in non dividing cells like macrophages. It also causes apoptosis in proliferating cells and the arrest of G2 cell cycle.
• Vif : It inhibits the cellular protein, APOBEC3G from entering the virion and thus causes its degradation. Therefore, Vif disrupts the antiviral activity of APOBEC3G.
• Vpu : It helps in the degradation of CD4 in the endoplasmic reticulum and helps in the release of virion from the plasma membrane of the infected cells.

Yes, Nef would be the best target for developing a new antiviral. It is because Nef is the important gene which manipulates the host's cellular machinery and allows survival and replication of the virus. It's expression in the early stage of the viral life cycle ensures the T-cell activation. Nef also induces modulation of protein cell surface expression, cytoskeletal remodeling, and signal transduction.