Nef proteins from simian immunodeficiency viruses are tetherin antagonists

Zhang, F., Wilson, S.J. , Landford, W.C., Virgen, B., Gregory, D., Johnson, M.C., Munch, J., Kirchoff, F., Bieniasz, P.D. and Hatziioannou, T. (2009) Nef proteins from simian immunodeficiency viruses are tetherin antagonists. Cell Host and Microbe, 6(1), pp. 54-67. (doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2009.05.008)

Abstract

The tetherin/BST2/CD317 protein blocks the release of HIV-1 and other enveloped viruses by inducing tethering of nascent particles to infected cell surfaces. The HIV-1 Vpu protein antagonizes the antiviral activity of human but not monkey tetherins and many simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs) do not encode Vpu. Here, we show that the apparently “missing” antitetherin activity in SIVs has been acquired by several SIV Nef proteins. Specifically, SIV_MAC/SIV_SMM, SIV_AGM, and SIV_BLU Nef proteins can suppress tetherin activity. Notably, tetherin antagonism by SIV Nef proteins is species specific, is genetically separable from other Nef activities, and is most evident with simian rather than human tetherin proteins. Accordingly, a critical determinant of sensitivity to SIV_MAC Nef in the tetherin cytoplasmic tail is variable in nonhuman primate tetherins and deleted in human tetherin, likely due to selective pressures imposed by viral antagonists, perhaps including Nef proteins.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Wilson, Professor Sam
• Authors: Zhang, F., Wilson, S.J., Landford, W.C., Virgen, B., Gregory, D., Johnson, M.C., Munch, J., Kirchoff, F., Bieniasz, P.D., and Hatziioannou, T.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
• Journal Name: Cell Host and Microbe
• ISSN: 1931-3128