Vpu

Vpu (Viral Protein U) is a unique protein that is encoded by the HIV-1 virus. It is a type of accessory protein that is involved in the degradation of CD4 molecules and the enhancement of viral particle release.

Function

Vpu is a small protein that is composed of 81 amino acids. It is expressed late in the viral life cycle and is found in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus of infected cells. The protein has two main functions: it promotes the degradation of CD4 molecules and it enhances the release of viral particles from infected cells.

CD4 Degradation

Vpu binds to the CD4 molecule in the endoplasmic reticulum and targets it for degradation. This prevents the CD4 molecule from reaching the cell surface where it could interfere with the assembly and release of new viral particles.

Viral Particle Release

Vpu also enhances the release of viral particles from infected cells. It does this by interacting with a cellular protein called Tetherin (also known as BST-2 or CD317), which normally prevents the release of viral particles from the cell. Vpu binds to Tetherin and targets it for degradation, thereby allowing the release of viral particles.

Clinical Significance

The Vpu protein is a potential target for antiretroviral therapy. Inhibiting the function of Vpu could prevent the degradation of CD4 molecules and the release of viral particles, thereby slowing the progression of HIV-1 infection.

See Also

• HIV
• CD4
• Tetherin
• Antiretroviral therapy

References

Vpu Resources
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