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Encapsidation of Staufen-2 Enhances Infectivity of HIV-1
Kannan Balakrishnan1,2, Ananda Ayyappan Jaguva Vasudevan2, Krishnaveni Mohareer1
1Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Gachibowli, Hyderabad 500046, India.
Viruses
|December 28, 2021
Summary
Staufen-2 protein enhances Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV-1) infectivity by incorporating into viral particles. This packaging, influenced by other host factors, impacts viral propagation and evolution.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Staufen proteins are crucial for RNA regulation.
- Staufen-2's role in Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication was partially understood, specifically its interaction with HIV-1 Rev.
- The incorporation of Staufen-2 into HIV-1 virions and its impact on viral propagation remained uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction of Staufen-2 with HIV-1 Gag.
- To determine if Staufen-2 is incorporated into HIV-1 virions.
- To assess the effect of encapsidated Staufen-2 on viral infectivity and propagation.
Main Methods:
- Co-immunoprecipitation assays to detect Staufen-2 and HIV-1 Gag interaction.
- Western blotting and immunofluorescence to confirm Staufen-2 incorporation into virions.
- Infectivity assays using viral particles with and without encapsidated Staufen-2.
Main Results:
- Staufen-2 was found to interact with HIV-1 Gag.
- Staufen-2 is incorporated into HIV-1 virions.
- Encapsidated Staufen-2 significantly boosted viral infectivity.
- Staufen-2 co-packaging with Staufen-1 or APOBEC3G modulated virion infectivity.
Conclusions:
- Staufen-2 incorporation into HIV-1 virions enhances viral infectivity.
- Encapsidated host factors, like Staufen proteins, influence viral population dynamics.
- Staufen protein packaging into retroviral virions may be a general mechanism affecting viral infectivity and evolution.
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