Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 and HIV-2 originated from cross-species transmission of simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs). Most of these transfers resulted in limited spread of these viruses to humans. However, one transmission event involving SIVcpz from chimpanzees gave rise to group M HIV-1, with M being the principal strain of HIV-1 responsible for the AIDS pandemic. Vpu is an HIV-1 accessory protein generated from Env/Vpu encoded bicistronic mRNA and localized in cytosolic and membrane regions of cells capable of being infected by HIV-1 and that regulate HIV-1 infection and transmission by downregulating BST-2, CD4 proteins levels, and immune evasion. This review will focus of critical aspects of Vpu including its zoonosis, the adaptive hurdles to cross-species transmission, and future perspectives and broad implications of Vpu in HIV-1 infection and dissemination.
Highlights
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a lentivirus that belongs to the Retroviridae family
HIV-type 1 (HIV-1) O and P groups have close relationships to the virus SIVgor isolated from gorillas; geographically, the O group virus is constrained to Cameroon and surrounding countries [5]
Viral Protein U (Vpu) protein is encoded by all groups of HIV-1, but biological differences have been noted between the various sources of
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a lentivirus that belongs to the Retroviridae family. The HIV-1 virus has been subdivided into M, N, O, and P subtypes according to their origin and distribution patterns within the human population. HIV-1 M is globally distributed and is a major factor causing the pandemic disease AIDS. HIV-1 O and P groups have close relationships to the virus SIVgor isolated from gorillas; geographically, the O group virus is constrained to Cameroon and surrounding countries [5]. Vpu protein is encoded by all groups of HIV-1, but biological differences have been noted between the various sources of. Pandemic M group viruses contain Vpu proteins that are more highly active than do other groups [5]. One needs to understand the functions of Vpu proteins to understand their roles in controlling HIV-1 infection and HIV/AIDS disease pathogenesis
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