Role of HIV-1 Vpu protein for virus spread and pathogenesis

VPU is in accessory viral protein almost unique to HIV-1 among primate immunodeficiency viruses. and has two major functions: degradation of (he CD4 molecule ill endoplasmic reticulum and enhancement of virion release from cells. Recent identification of a novel host restriction factor, tetherin, as a Vpu-antagonist suggests that Vpu contributes to Virus spread by facilitating progeny virion production. This review focuses On the two distinct functions Of VPU and summarizes current knowledge oil its virological role in the HIV-1 life cycle. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.