Abstract
The Gag polyprotein is implied in the budding as well as the establishment of the supramolecular architecture of infectious retroviral particles. It is also involved in the early phases of the replication of retroviruses by protecting and transporting the viral genome towards the nucleus of the infected cell until its integration in the host genome. Therefore, understanding the structure–function relationships of the Gag subunits is crucial as each of them can represent a therapeutic target. Though the field has been explored for some time in the area of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), it is only in the last decade that structural data on Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Gag subunits have emerged. As FIV is an important veterinary issue, both in domestic cats and endangered feline species, such data are of prime importance for the development of anti-FIV molecules targeting Gag. This review will focus on the recent advances and perspectives on the structure–function relationships of each subunit of the FIV Gag polyprotein.
Highlights
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a retrovirus belonging to the lentivirus genus and infects both domestic and wild feline species
The mechanisms of action of Gag have been well defined for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-1: the assembly a new viral particle is initiated by the interaction of nucleocapsid domain (NC) with the viral RNA [7] with a role of a new viral particle is initiated by the interaction of NC with the viral RNA [7] with of the “late domain” in selecting the correct genomic RNA [8]
This ability to bind nucleic acids is due to the presence of two zinc finger domains (ZF) in NC, containing the seacids is due to the presence of two zinc finger domains (ZF) in NC, containing the sequence quence Cys-X2-Cys-X4-His-X4-Cys, which is conserved between human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and FIV
Summary
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a retrovirus belonging to the lentivirus genus and infects both domestic and wild feline species. FIV infects domestic cats, and wild feline species such as lions, hyenas, cheetahs, or pumas, representing an issue both for domestic veterinary practice and wildlife preservation [3]. It is estimated that 4 to 12% of domestic or wild felines are infected, with a disparity depending on the infected species and the countries considered. A vaccine (Fel-o-Vax) has been developed for domestic cats but is only efficient against some of the FIV subtypes. It is only used in a small number of countries where theses subtypes represent the majority of the circulating strains [6].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
