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The human T-cell leukemia virus Rex protein
1Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Frontiers in Bioscience : a Journal and Virtual Library
|December 3, 2004
Summary
The Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) Rex protein is essential for viral replication. Rex facilitates the export of viral mRNA, controlling the switch between latent and productive infection phases.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Complex retroviruses like HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 require mechanisms for nuclear mRNA export.
- Viral Rex protein plays a crucial role in exporting unspliced and partially spliced viral mRNAs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the understanding of Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) Rex protein function.
- To elucidate Rex's role in the HTLV life cycle and viral replication.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on HTLV Rex protein.
- Analysis of Rex's interaction with viral mRNA and cellular export pathways (CRM1-dependent).
- Discussion of Rex regulation by phosphorylation and its impact on viral gene expression.
Main Results:
- Rex stabilizes incompletely spliced viral mRNAs and inhibits their splicing.
- Rex utilizes the CRM1 pathway for nuclear-to-cytoplasmic mRNA transport.
- Rex regulates the switch between HTLV latent and productive phases, being indispensable for efficient replication.
Conclusions:
- Understanding Rex's molecular mechanism is key for developing therapeutic strategies against HTLV.
- Rex is a critical regulator of post-transcriptional gene expression in HTLV.
- Targeting Rex function could inhibit HTLV replication and spread.