Modulation of HTLV-I Gene Expression by HIV-1 Rev through an Alternative RxRE-Independent Pathway Mediated by the RU5 Portion of the 5′-LTR

Abstract

The 5′-RU5 portion of human T-lymphocyte virus type I (HTLV-I) long terminal repeat (LTR) had been reported to containcis-acting elements for the controlled viral gene expression by therexgene product. In this study, the human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) Rev protein was found to enhance gene expression, acting through the 5′-RU5 portion of HTLV-I, while the Rex-responsive element (RxRE)-mediated activation by Rev was reconfirmed to be negative. This positive action of HIV-1 Rev on HTLV-I gene expression seemed to be distinct from the widely accepted Rex or Rev function to facilitate the nuclear export of RxRE-containing unspliced viral mRNAs, since atrans-dominant, nuclear export-deficient mutant (RevM10) still retained the RU5-mediated effector function. Analyses of the functional aspects of Tat/Rev fusion proteins on the HTLV-I RU5 suggested a specific interaction of Rev and RU5, but lacked evidence for the binding of Rev to the RU5 at the RNA level. These results suggest an answer to the controversy regarding a Rex-like function occasionally observed with HIV-1 Rev and its related proteins. It may also be suggested that particular care should be taken when such atrans-dominant Rev mutant is considered to be used as a genetic therapy against HIV-1 infection, in individuals infected with both HIV-1 and HTLV-1.