Inability of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 produced in murine cells to selectively incorporate primer formula

Overexpressed coiled-coil domain containing protein 8 (CCDC8) mediates newly synthesized HIV-1 Gag lysosomal degradation

Normally, HIV-1 enters into CD4+ cells through membrane fusion, and newly synthesized HIV-1 viral proteins assemble on the plasma membrane to form viral particles and bud out. In the previous study, we found host factor coiled-coil domain containing protein 8 (CCDC8) can strongly inhibit HIV-1 production, but the underline mechanism is not clear. Here we show that overexpression of CCDC8 reverses the normal HIV-1 production process, and causes newly assembled HIV-1 Gag particles to be endocytosed on the plasma membrane, rather than budding out. Live-cell imaging system captured the moment of CCDC8-mediated Gag internalization on the plasma membrane, and the speed of Gag turnover is up to 1.53 μm/s, much faster than Gag assembly on the plasma membrane. After Gag internalization, it accumulates in the cellular organelle-lysosome for degradation, but not proteasome, autophagosome, endoplasmic reticulum, clathrin or recycling endosome. In addition, CCDC8 is a membrane-associated protein, and N-terminal of CCDC8 is very important for membrane binding, and also important for inhibition of Gag assembly. C-terminal deletion of CCDC8 has a little effect on anti-HIV-1 effect. Moreover, CCDC8 is phosphorylated at amino acid threonine T87 and serine S261, and mono-methylated at lysine K491. Alanine mutations of T87A, S261A and K491A singly or in combination do not affect CCDC8 anti-HIV activity. In conclusion, overexpression of CCDC8 can cause newly assembled HIV-1 Gag particles on the plasma membrane to be endocytosed and degraded in lysosome.

Emerging Roles of tRNAs in RNA Virus Infections

Viruses rely on the host cell translation machinery for efficient synthesis of their own proteins. Emerging evidence highlights different roles for host transfer RNAs (tRNAs) in the process of virus replication. For instance, different RNA viruses manipulate host tRNA pools to favor viral protein translation. Interestingly, specific host tRNAs are used as reverse transcription primers and are packaged into retroviral virions. Recent data also demonstrate the formation of tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) upon infection to facilitate viral replication. Here, we comprehensively discuss how RNA viruses exploit distinct aspects of the host tRNA biology for their benefit. In light of the recent advances in the field, we propose that host tRNA-related pathways and mechanisms represent promising cellular targets for the development of novel antiviral strategies.

Dual role for motif 1 residues of human lysyl-tRNA synthetase in dimerization and packaging into HIV-1

The primer for reverse transcription in human immunodeficiency virus type 1, human tRNA(Lys,3), is selectively packaged into the virion along with tRNA(Lys1,2). Human lysyl-tRNA synthetase (hLysRS), the only cellular factor known to interact specifically with all three tRNA(Lys) isoacceptors, is also selectively packaged into HIV-1. We have previously defined a tRNA(Lys) packaging complex that includes the tRNA(Lys) isoacceptors, LysRS, HIV-1 Gag, GagPol, and viral RNA. Numerous studies support the hypothesis that during tRNA(Lys) packaging, a Gag·GagPol complex interacts with a tRNA(Lys)·LysRS complex, with Gag interacting specifically with the catalytic domain of LysRS, and GagPol interacting with both Gag and tRNA(Lys). In this work, we have identified residues along one face of the motif 1 dimerization helix (H7) of hLysRS that are critical for packaging of the synthetase into virions. Mutation of these residues affects binding to Gag in vitro, as well as the oligomerization state and aminoacylation activity of the synthetase. Taken together, these data suggest that H7 of LysRS has a dual function. In its canonical role it maintains the synthetase dimer interface, whereas in its function in tRNA primer recruitment, it bridges interactions with HIV-1 Gag.

Initiation of HIV Reverse Transcription

Reverse transcription of retroviral genomes into double stranded DNA is a key event for viral replication. The very first stage of HIV reverse transcription, the initiation step, involves viral and cellular partners that are selectively packaged into the viral particle, leading to an RNA/protein complex with very specific structural and functional features, some of which being, in the case of HIV-1, linked to particular isolates. Recent understanding of the tight spatio-temporal regulation of reverse transcription and its importance for viral infectivity further points toward reverse transcription and potentially its initiation step as an important drug target.