Restriction of Retroviral Replication by Tetherin/BST-2
Jason Hammonds1, Jaang-Jiun Wang, Paul Spearman
1Department of Pediatrics, Emory University and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 2015 Uppergate Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Molecular Biology International
|July 20, 2012
Summary
Tetherin/BST-2 is a host restriction factor that blocks HIV replication by retaining virions on cell surfaces. Recent research advances our understanding of tetherin
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Tetherin/BST-2 is a critical host restriction factor that inhibits the replication of HIV and other enveloped viruses.
- It functions as a type II membrane glycoprotein with a unique domain structure.
- Tetherin sequesters budding virions to the plasma membrane of infected cells, preventing their release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the discovery and impact of tetherin biology on the HIV field.
- To highlight recent advances in understanding tetherin's structure and function.
- To review the relevance of tetherin in the replication and spread of other retroviruses.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on tetherin/BST-2.
- Analysis of molecular, structural, and cellular biology studies.
- Focus on host-virus interactions, particularly with HIV-1 Vpu.
Main Results:
- Tetherin's role as a key host defense mechanism against viral pathogens is confirmed.
- Significant progress has been made in elucidating tetherin's structure and molecular functions.
- The interaction between HIV-1 Vpu and tetherin is a critical determinant of viral spread.
Conclusions:
- Tetherin is a vital and versatile host restriction factor with broad implications for antiviral defense.
- Continued research into tetherin biology promises new insights into host-pathogen interactions.
- Tetherin exemplifies the complex strategies employed by host organisms to combat viral infections.
Related Concept Videos
03:08LTR Retrotransposons
LTR retrotransposons are class I transposable elements with long terminal repeats flanking an internal coding region. These elements are less abundant in mammals compared to other class I transposable elements. About 8 percent of human genomic DNA comprises LTR retrotransposons. Some of the common examples of LTR retrotransposons are Ty elements in yeast and Copia elements in Drosophila.
The internal coding region of LTR retrotransposons and their mechanism of transposition closely resembles a...
The internal coding region of LTR retrotransposons and their mechanism of transposition closely resembles a...
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
01:29Viruses with RNA Genomes
RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
02:33Retroviruses
Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
01:30Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...
03:18Non-LTR Retrotransposons
As the name suggests, non-LTR retrotransposons lack the long terminal repeats characteristic of the LTR retrotransposons. Additionally, both LTR and non-LTR retrotransposons use distinct mechanisms of mobilization. Non-LTR retrotransposons are further divided into two classes - Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) and short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), both of which occur abundantly in most mammals, including humans. Some of the active non-LTR retrotransposons in humans are L1...