Scientific breakthrough in combating HIV-1 virus

Scientists have made major breakthrough in understanding how the Vpu protein of HIV-1 interferes with the antiviral activity of Tetherin, a novel effector of innate immunity, and contributes to the spread of HIV-1 in humans.

In their article published in the open-access journal PLoS Pathogens, Dr. Cohen's team explains how the Vpu viral protein prevents the expression of Tetherin, a host factor inhibiting HIV-1 release, on the surface of infected cells.

Thus, if researchers manage to develop small molecules that prevent Vpu binding to Tetherin, this would restore one of the natural defence mechanisms that prevent the production, transmission and spread of HIV-1.

The study by Dr. Cohen's team allows a better understanding of the strategy used by HIV-1 to facilitate its transmission and its spread in humans. "Tetherin is a cellular protein that captures viruses forming at the surface of infected cells, thereby preventing viral transmission and spread. This antiviral protein, whose production is triggered by interferon, is an effector of the innate immune response against viral infections. However, viruses, and especially HIV-1, have evolved and developed mechanisms that antagonize this restriction factor. In fact, we have discovered how the Vpu protein neutralizes Tetherin, and as such stimulates HIV-1 production," stated Dr. Éric A. Cohen.