Inhibition of nuclear import of HIV-1 Vpr protein by Gag polyprotein in the process of virus-like particles formation
Chikova, A.K.; Lideman, L.F.; Iordanskiĭ, S.N.; Gibadulin, R.A.
Voprosy Virusologii 44(6): 261-265
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0507-4088 PMID: 10665061 Document Number: 509379
For studies of intracellular Vpr transport and the effect of the HIV-1 Gag polyprotein on the process, a recombinant baculovirus strain was constructed, which directs the synthesis of Vpr fused with the baculovirus secretory polypeptide. During infection the majority of Vpr has been observed in the cell nuclear fraction. These data suggest that Vpr nucleophilic signal is more active than the secretory one. However, during Vpr and Gag co-expression in the baculovirus expression system, Vpr content in the nuclei is decreased, since this protein incorporates effectively into virus-like particles and forms stable complexes with Gag polyprotein. Presumably, the Vpr-Gag post-translational interactions are needed for the Vpr incorporation into virions and suppress the nuclear import of this protein.