The HIV-1 capsid and reverse transcription

The viral capsid plays a key role in HIV-1 reverse transcription. Recent studies have demonstrated that the small molecule IP6 dramatically enhances reverse transcription in vitro by stabilizing the viral capsid. Reverse transcription results in marked changes in the biophysical properties of the capsid, ultimately resulting in its breakage and disassembly. Here we review the research leading to these advances and describe hypotheses for capsid-dependent HIV-1 reverse transcription and a model for reverse transcription-primed HIV-1 uncoating.

Automated summary

Recent studies have shown that the viral capsid plays a key role in HIV-1 reverse transcription, with the small molecule IP6 enhancing this process significantly. Reverse transcription leads to marked changes in the biophysical properties of the capsid, ultimately causing its breakage and disassembly.