Physiological relevance of ACOT8-Nef interaction in HIV infection

During human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, Nef viral protein plays a crucial role in viral pathogenesis and progression of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Nef is expressed in the early stages of infection and alters the cellular environment increasing infectivity, viral replication, and the evasion of host immune response through several mechanisms. Nef has numerous functional domains that allow it to interact with a number of proteins, interfering with intracellular traffic. Among these proteins, human peroxisomal thioesterase 8, ACOT8, has been shown to be an important cellular partner of Nef. It has been suggested that this interaction may be involved in Nef-dependent endocytosis and also in the modulation of lipid composition in membrane rafts. However, the actual role of this interaction, as well as the mechanisms involved, has not yet been fully elucidated. In this review, we focused on the interplay between Nef and ACOT8 proteins, highlighting the possible physiological relevance in HIV infection.