Abstract
Background: HIV-1 Vif is essential for virus replication in natural target cells such as T cells and macrophages. Vif recruits a ubiquitin ligase to degrade restrictive APOBEC3 proteins. APOBEC3G is one of the most potent retroviral restriction factors targeted by Vif and, as such, the Vif-APOBEC3G interaction has emerged as a promising HIV-1 therapeutic target. Methods. 20,000 small molecules were used in live-cell screens for those that preserve EGFP-APOBEC3G fluorescence and luciferase-APOBEC3G luminescence in the presence of HIV-1 Vif. Results: 2 compounds with similar core structures preserved APOBEC3G levels in the presence of Vif. 10 μM of compound restored APOBEC3G to levels sufficient for incorporation into vif-proficient virus particles and restriction of virus infectivity. Vif-dependent APOBEC3G polyubiquitination and general proteasomal activity were unaffected at the same concentration. Conclusions: The small molecules described here preserve APOBEC3G levels and activity in the presence of Vif. These molecules are starting points for further development as antiretrovirals.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 122 |
Journal | Virology journal |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 1 2014 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:We thank Dr. Y. Koyanagi for BL3 laboratory. This study was partly supported by Grants-in-aid from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japan. This study was also partly supported by Translational Research Grants of Kyoto University.
Keywords
- APOBEC3G
- HIV-1
- Small molecules
- Vif