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Active nuclear import of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 preintegration complexes
M I Bukrinsky1, N Sharova, M P Dempsey
1Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha.
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) nuclear import of preintegration complexes occurs independently of cell division, utilizing host cell transport mechanisms. This process is ATP-dependent but does not require functional HIV-1 integrase.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection requires nuclear import of viral DNA preintegration complexes.
- The mechanism of nuclear targeting and cell division dependence for retroviral preintegration complexes remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism of nuclear import for HIV-1 preintegration complexes.
- To determine the dependence of this process on host cell division.
Main Methods:
- Studied the transport of HIV-1 preintegration complexes to the host cell nucleus post-infection.
- Investigated the role of ATP and cell division in nuclear import.
- Assessed the requirement for functional HIV-1 integrase in nuclear import.
Main Results:
- HIV-1 preintegration complexes are rapidly transported to the nucleus.
- Nuclear import requires ATP but is independent of host cell division.
- Functional HIV-1 integrase is not necessary for nuclear import.
Conclusions:
- HIV-1 utilizes host cell active transport for nuclear import of preintegration complexes, bypassing the need for cell division.
- This mechanism facilitates HIV-1 replication in non-dividing cells like macrophages.
- Findings enhance understanding of early HIV-1 life cycle events.