Activities of the feline immunodeficiency virus integrase protein produced in Escherichia coli

Applications of the FIV Model to Study HIV Pathogenesis

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a naturally-occurring retrovirus that infects domestic and non-domestic feline species, producing progressive immune depletion that results in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Much has been learned about FIV since it was first described in 1987, particularly in regard to its application as a model to study the closely related lentivirus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In particular, FIV and HIV share remarkable structure and sequence organization, utilize parallel modes of receptor-mediated entry, and result in a similar spectrum of immunodeficiency-related diseases due to analogous modes of immune dysfunction. This review summarizes current knowledge of FIV infection kinetics and the mechanisms of immune dysfunction in relation to opportunistic disease, specifically in regard to studying HIV pathogenesis. Furthermore, we present data that highlight changes in the oral microbiota and oral immune system during FIV infection, and outline the potential for the feline model of oral AIDS manifestations to elucidate pathogenic mechanisms of HIV-induced oral disease. Finally, we discuss advances in molecular biology, vaccine development, neurologic dysfunction, and the ability to apply pharmacologic interventions and sophisticated imaging technologies to study experimental and naturally occurring FIV, which provide an excellent, but often overlooked, resource for advancing therapies and the management of HIV/AIDS.

Identification of Phe187 as a crucial dimerization determinant facilitates crystallization of a monomeric retroviral integrase core domain

Retroviral DNA integration into the host genome is mediated by nucleoprotein assemblies containing tetramers of viral integrase (IN). Whereas the fully active form of IN comprises a dimer of dimers, the molecular basis of IN multimerization has not been fully characterized. IN has consistently been crystallized in an analogous dimeric form in all crystallographic structures and experimental evidence as to the level of similarity between IN monomeric and dimeric conformations is missing because of the lack of IN monomeric structures. Here we identify Phe187 as a critical dimerization determinant of IN from feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), a nonprimate lentivirus that causes AIDS in the natural host, and report, in addition to a canonical dimeric structure of the FIV IN core-domain, a monomeric structure revealing the preservation of the backbone structure between the two multimeric forms and suggest a role for Phe187 in "hinging" the flexible IN dimer.

Uncoupling of the apyrimidinic/apurinic endonucleolytic and 3'→5' exonucleolytic activities of the Nfo protein of Mycoplasma pneumoniae through mutation of specific amino acid residues

The DNA recombination and repair machineries of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma genitalium were predicted to consist of a set of ~11 proteins. The function of one of these proteins was inferred from its homology with proteins belonging to the Endo IV enzyme family. The members of this family function in the repair of apyrimidinic/apurinic (AP) sites in DNA. As such activity may be crucial in the mycoplasmal life cycle, we set out to study the Endo IV-like proteins encoded by M. pneumoniae and M. genitalium. Both proteins, termed NfoMpn and NfoMge, respectively, were assessed for their ability to interact with damaged and undamaged DNA. In the absence of divalent cations, both proteins exhibited specific cleavage of AP sites. Surprisingly, the proteins also recognized and cleaved cholesteryl-bound deoxyribose moieties in DNA, showing that these Nfo proteins may also function in repair of large DNA adducts. In the presence of Mg(2+), NfoMpn and NfoMge also showed 3'→5' exonucleolytic activity. By introduction of 13 single point mutations at highly conserved positions within NfoMpn, two major types of mutants could be distinguished: (i) mutants that showed no, or limited, AP cleavage activity in the presence of EDTA, but displayed significant levels of AP cleavage activity in the presence of Mg(2+); these mutants displayed no, or very low, exonucleolytic activity; and (ii) mutants that only demonstrated marginal levels of AP site cleavage activity in the presence of Mg(2+) and did not show exonucleolytic activity. Together, these results indicated that the AP endonucleolytic activity of the NfoMpn protein can be uncoupled from its 3'→5' exonucleolytic activity.

Functional analysis of the superfamily 1 DNA helicases encoded by Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma genitalium

The DNA recombination and repair machinery of Mycoplasma pneumoniae is composed of a limited set of approximately 11 proteins. Two of these proteins were predicted to be encoded by neighboring open reading frames (ORFs) MPN340 and MPN341. Both ORFs were found to have sequence similarity with genes that encode proteins belonging to the DNA helicase superfamily 1 (SF1). Interestingly, while a homolog of the MPN341 ORF is present in the genome of Mycoplasma genitalium (ORF MG244), MPN340 is an M. pneumoniae-specific ORF that is not found in other mycoplasmas. Moreover, the length of MPN340 (1590 base pairs [bp]) is considerably shorter than that of MPN341 (2148 bp). Examination of the MPN340-encoded amino acid sequence indicated that it may lack a so-called 2B subdomain, which is found in most SF1 DNA helicases. Also, the MPN340-encoded amino acid sequence was found to differ between subtype 1 strain M129 and subtype 2 strain FH at three amino acid positions. Both protein variants, which were termed PcrA^s_M129 and PcrA^s_FH, respectively, as well as the MPN341- and MG244-encoded proteins (PcrA_Mpn and PcrA_Mge, respectively), were purified, and tested for their ability to interact with DNA. While PcrA_Mpn and PcrA_Mge were found to bind preferentially to single-stranded DNA, both PcrA^s_M129 and PcrA^s_FH did not demonstrate significant DNA binding. However, all four proteins were found to have divalent cation- and ATP-dependent DNA helicase activity. The proteins displayed highest activity on partially double-stranded DNA substrates carrying 3′ single-stranded extensions.

The molecular biology of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is widespread in feline populations and causes an AIDS-like illness in domestic cats. It is highly prevalent in several endangered feline species. In domestic cats FIV infection is a valuable small animal model for HIV infection. In recent years there has been sa significant increase in interest in FIV, in part to exploit this, but also because of the potential it has as a human gene therapy vector. Though much less studied than HIV there are many parallels in the replication of the two viruses, but also important differences and, despite their likely common origin, the viruses have in some cases used alternative strategies to overcome similar problems. Recent advances in understanding the structure and function of FIV RNA and proteins and their interactions has enhanced our knowledge of FIV replication significantly, however, there are still many gaps. This review summarizes our current knowledge of FIV molecular biology and its similarities with, and differences from, other lentiviruses.

Functional characterization of the RuvB homologs from Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma genitalium

Homologous recombination between repeated DNA elements in the genomes of Mycoplasma species has been hypothesized to be a crucial causal factor in sequence variation of antigenic proteins at the bacterial surface. To investigate this notion, studies were initiated to identify and characterize the proteins that form part of the homologous DNA recombination machinery in Mycoplasma pneumoniae as well as Mycoplasma genitalium. Among the most likely participants of this machinery are homologs of the Holliday junction migration motor protein RuvB. In both M. pneumoniae and M. genitalium, genes have been identified that have the capacity to encode RuvB homologs (MPN536 and MG359, respectively). Here, the characteristics of the MPN536- and MG359-encoded proteins (the RuvB proteins from M. pneumoniae strain FH [RuvB(FH)] and M. genitalium [RuvB(Mge)], respectively) are described. Both RuvB(FH) and RuvB(Mge) were found to have ATPase activity and to bind DNA. In addition, both proteins displayed divalent cation- and ATP-dependent DNA helicase activity on partially double-stranded DNA substrates. The helicase activity of RuvB(Mge), however, was significantly lower than that of RuvB(FH). Interestingly, we found RuvB(FH) to be expressed exclusively by subtype 2 strains of M. pneumoniae. In strains belonging to the other major subtype (subtype 1), a version of the protein is expressed (the RuvB protein from M. pneumoniae strain M129 [RuvB(M129)]) that differs from RuvB(FH) in a single amino acid residue (at position 140). In contrast to RuvB(FH), RuvB(M129) displayed only marginal levels of DNA-unwinding activity. These results demonstrate that M. pneumoniae strains (as well as closely related Mycoplasma spp.) can differ significantly in the function of components of their DNA recombination and repair machinery.

The Mycoplasma genitalium MG352-encoded protein is a Holliday junction resolvase that has a non-functional orthologue in Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Recombination between repeated DNA elements in the genomes of Mycoplasma species appears to lie at the basis of antigenic variation of several essential surface proteins. It is therefore imperative that the DNA recombinatorial pathways in mycoplasmas be unravelled. Here, we describe the proteins encoded by the Mycoplasma genitalium MG352 and Mycoplasma pneumoniae MPN528a genes (RecU(Mge) and RecU(Mpn) respectively), which share sequence similarity with RecU Holliday junction (HJ) resolvases. RecU(Mge) was found to: (i) bind HJ substrates and large double-stranded DNA molecules and (ii) cleave HJ substrates at the sequence 5'-(G) /(T) C↓(C) /(T) T(A) /(G) G-3' in the presence of Mn(2+). Interestingly, RecU(Mpn) (from M. pneumoniae subtype 2 strains) did not possess obvious DNA binding or cleavage activities, which was found to be caused by the presence of a glutamic acid residue at position 67 of the protein, which is not conserved in RecU(Mge). Additionally, RecU(Mpn) appears not to be expressed by subtype 1 M. pneumoniae strains, as these possess a TAA translation termination codon at position 181-183 of MPN528a. We conclude that RecU(Mge) is a HJ resolvase that may play a central role in recombination in M. genitalium.

Human immunodeficiency virus integrase inhibitors efficiently suppress feline immunodeficiency virus replication in vitro and provide a rationale to redesign antiretroviral treatment for feline AIDS

BACKGROUND

Treatment of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection has been hampered by the absence of a specific combination antiretroviral treatment (ART). Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) are emerging as a promising new drug class for HIV-1 treatment, and we evaluated the possibility of inhibiting FIV replication using INSTIs.

METHODS

Phylogenetic analysis of lentiviral integrase (IN) sequences was carried out using the PAUP* software. A theoretical three-dimensional structure of the FIV IN catalytic core domain (CCD) was obtained by homology modeling based on a crystal structure of HIV-1 IN CCD. The interaction of the transferred strand of viral DNA with the catalytic cavity of FIV IN was deduced from a crystal structure of a structurally similar transposase complexed with transposable DNA. Molecular docking simulations were conducted using a genetic algorithm (GOLD). Antiviral activity was tested in feline lymphoblastoid MBM cells acutely infected with the FIV Petaluma strain. Circular and total proviral DNA was quantified by real-time PCR.

RESULTS

The calculated INSTI-binding sites were found to be nearly identical in FIV and HIV-1 IN CCDs. The close similarity of primate and feline lentivirus IN CCDs was also supported by phylogenetic analysis. In line with these bioinformatic analyses, FIV replication was efficiently inhibited in acutely infected cell cultures by three investigational INSTIs, designed for HIV-1 and belonging to different classes. Of note, the naphthyridine carboxamide INSTI, L-870,810 displayed an EC50 in the low nanomolar range. Inhibition of FIV integration in situ was shown by real-time PCR experiments that revealed accumulation of circular forms of FIV DNA within cells treated with L-870,810.

CONCLUSION

We report a drug class (other than nucleosidic reverse transcriptase inhibitors) that is capable of inhibiting FIV replication in vitro. The present study helped establish L-870,810, a compound successfully tested in human clinical trials, as one of the most potent anti-FIV agents ever tested in vitro. This finding may provide new avenues for treating FIV infection and contribute to the development of a small animal model mimicking the effects of ART in humans.

FIV as a Model for HIV: An Overview

Animal models for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection play a key role in understanding the pathogenesis of AIDS and the development of therapeutic agents and vaccines. As the only lentivirus that causes an immunodeficiency resembling that of HIV infection, in its natural host, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) has been a unique and powerful model for AIDS research. FIV was first described in 1987 by Niels Pedersen and co-workers as the causative agent for a fatal immunodeficiency syndrome observed in cats housed in a cattery in Petaluma, California. Since this landmark observation, multiple studies have shown that natural and experimental infection of cats with biological isolates of FIV produces an AIDS syndrome very similar in pathogenesis to that observed for human AIDS. FIV infection induces an acute viremia associated with Tcell alterations including depressed CD4 :CD8 T-cell ratios and CD4 T-cell depletion, peripheral lymphadenopathy, and neutropenia. In later stages of FIV infection, the host suffers from chronic persistent infections that are typically self-limiting in an immunocompetent host, as well as opportunistic infections, chronic diarrhea and wasting, blood dyscracias, significant CD4 T-cell depletion, neurologic disorders, and B-cell lymphomas. Importantly, chronic FIV infection induces a progressive lymphoid and CD4 T-cell depletion in the infected cat. The primary mode of natural FIV transmission appears to be blood-borne facilitated by fighting and biting. However, experimental infection through transmucosal routes (rectal and vaginal mucosa and perinatal) have been well documented for specific FIV isolates. Accordingly, FIV disease pathogenesis exhibits striking similarities to that described for HIV-1 infection.

The interaction of LEDGF/p75 with integrase is lentivirus-specific and promotes DNA binding

We have previously shown that the p75 isoform of the transcriptional co-activator lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF) interacts tightly with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 integrase (IN) and is essential for nuclear targeting of this protein in human cells (Cherepanov, P., Maertens, G., Proost, P., Devreese, B., Van Beeumen, J., Engelborghs, Y., De Clercq, E., and Debyser, Z. (2003) J. Biol. Chem. 278, 372-381; Maertens, G., Cherepanov, P., Pluymers, W., Busschots, K., De Clercq, E., Debyser, Z., and Engelborghs, Y. (2003) J. Biol. Chem. 278, 33528-33539). Here the interaction between recombinant LEDGF/p75 and HIV-1 IN was examined in a pull-down binding test. LEDGF/p75 was shown to increase the solubility of HIV-1 IN. Next, fluorescent correlation spectroscopy was used to measure the interaction of LEDGF/p75 or the complex of HIV-1 IN and LEDGF/p75 with a specific double-stranded DNA oligonucleotide. Whereas LEDGF/p75 displayed only a moderate affinity for DNA, it strongly promoted the binding of HIV-1 IN to DNA. This effect was specific for the p75 isoform of LEDGF and was not seen with p52. In the pull-down assay LEDGF/p75 interacted with HIV-1, HIV-2, and feline immunodeficiency virus IN, but not with the IN of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 2, Moloney murine leukemia virus, or Rous sarcoma virus. These results strongly suggest that the interaction of LEDGF/p75 with IN is specific to lentiviridae. LEDGF/p75 stimulated the binding of HIV-1 and HIV-2 IN, but not Moloney murine leukemia virus or Rous sarcoma virus IN, to an aspecific DNA. These results provide supporting evidence for our hypothesis that LEDGF/p75 plays a role in the tethering of lentiviral IN to the chromosomal DNA.

Integrase of Mason-Pfizer monkey virus

The gene encoding an integrase of Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV) is located at the 3'-end of the pol open reading frame. The M-PMV integrase has not been previously isolated and characterized. We have now cloned, expressed, isolated, and characterized M-PMV integrase and compared its activities and primary structure with those of HIV-1 and other retroviral integrases. M-PMV integrase prefers untranslated 3'-region-derived long-terminal repeat sequences in both the 3'-processing and the strand transfer activity assays. While the 3'-processing reaction catalyzed by M-PMV integrase was significantly increased in the presence of Mn(2+) and Co(2+) and was readily detectable in the presence of Mg(2+) and Ni(2+) cations, the strand transfer activity was strictly dependent only on Mn(2+). M-PMV integrase displays more relaxed substrate specificity than HIV-1 integrase, catalyzing the cleavage and the strand transfer of M-PMV and HIV-1 long-terminal repeat-derived substrates with similar efficiency. The structure-based sequence alignment of M-PMV, HIV-1, SIV, and ASV integrases predicted critical amino acids and motifs of M-PMV integrase for metal binding, interaction with nucleic acids, dimerization, protein structure maintenance and function, as well as for binding of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and Rous avian sarcoma virus integrase inhibitors 5-CI-TEP, DHPTPB and Y-3.

Role of the nonspecific DNA-binding region and alpha helices within the core domain of retroviral integrase in selecting target DNA sites for integration

Retroviral integrase plays an important role in choosing host chromosomal sites for integration of the cDNA copy of the viral genome. The domain responsible for target site selection has been previously mapped to the central core of the protein (amino acid residues 49-238). Chimeric integrases between human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) were prepared to examine the involvement of a nonspecific DNA-binding region (residues 213-266) and certain alpha helices within the core domain in target site selection. Determination of the distribution and frequency of integration events of the chimeric integrases narrowed the target site-specifying motif to within residues 49-187 and showed that alpha 3 and alpha 4 helices (residues 123-166) were not involved in target site selection. Furthermore, the chimera with the alpha 2 helix (residues 118-121) of FIV identity displayed characteristic integration events from both HIV-1 and FIV integrases. The results indicate that the alpha 2 helix plays a role in target site preference as either part of a larger or multiple target site-specifying motif.

Nucleophile selection for the endonuclease activities of human, ovine, and avian retroviral integrases

Retroviral integrases catalyze four endonuclease reactions (processing, joining, disintegration, and nonspecific alcoholysis) that differ in specificity for the attacking nucleophile and target DNA sites. To assess how the two substrates of this enzyme affect each other, we performed quantitative analyses, in three retroviral systems, of the two reactions that use a variety of nucleophiles. The integrase proteins of human immuno- deficiency virus type 1, visna virus, and Rous sarcoma virus exhibited distinct preferences for water or other nucleophiles during site-specific processing of viral DNA and during nonspecific alcoholysis of nonviral DNA. Although exogenous alcohols competed with water as the nucleophile for processing, the alcohols stimulated nicking of nonviral DNA. Moreover, different nucleophiles were preferred when the various integrases acted on different DNA targets. In contrast, the nicking patterns were independent of whether integrase was catalyzing hydrolysis or alcoholysis and were not influenced by the particular exogenous alcohol. Thus, although the target DNA influenced the choice of nucleophile, the nucleophile did not affect the choice of target sites. These results indicate that interaction with target DNA is the critical step before catalysis and suggest that integrase does not reach an active conformation until target DNA has bound to the enzyme.

Correct integration of model substrates by Ty1 integrase

The retrovirus-like mobile genetic element of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Ty1, transposes to new genomic locations via the element-encoded integrase (IN). Here we report that purified recombinant IN catalyzed correct integration of a linear DNA into a supercoiled target plasmid. Ty1 virus-like particles (VLPs) integrated donor DNA more efficiently than IN. VLP and IN-mediated insertions occurred at random sites in the target. Mg(2+) was preferred over Mn(2+) for correct integration, and neither cation enhanced nonspecific nuclease activity of IN. Products consistent with correct integration events were also obtained by Southern analysis. Recombinant IN and VLPs utilized many, but not all, linear donor fragments containing non-Ty1 ends, including a U3 mutation which has been shown to be defective for transposition in vivo. Together, our results suggest that IN is sufficient for Ty1 integration in vitro and IN interacts with exogenous donors less stringently than with endogenous elements.

Targeting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 2 integrase protein into HIV type 1

Integrase (IN) is the only retroviral enzyme necessary for the integration of retroviral cDNA into the host cell's chromosomes. The structure and function of IN is highly conserved. The human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) IN has been shown to efficiently support 3' processing and strand transfer of HIV-1 DNA substrate in vitro. To determine whether HIV-2 IN protein (IN(2)) could substitute for HIV-1 IN function in vivo, we used HIV-1 Vpr to deliver the IN(2) into IN mutant HIV-1 virions by expression in trans as a Vpr-IN fusion protein. Trans-complementation with IN(2) markedly increased the infectivity of IN-minus HIV-1. Compared with the homologous trans-IN protein, infectivity was increased to a level of 16%. Since IN has been found to play a role in reverse transcription (Wu et al., J. Virol. 73:2126-2135, 1999), cells infected with IN(2)-complemented HIV-1 were analyzed for DNA products of reverse transcription. DNA levels of approximately 18% of that of wild type were detected. The homologous trans-IN protein restored the synthesis of viral cDNA to approximately 86% of that of wild-type virus. By complementing integration-defective HIV-1 IN mutant viruses, which were not impaired in cDNA synthesis, the trans-IN(2) protein was shown to support integration up to a level of 55% compared with that of the homologous trans-IN protein. The delivery of heterologous IN protein into HIV-1 particles in trans offers a novel approach to understand IN protein function in vivo.

Dissecting the role of the N-terminal domain of human immunodeficiency virus integrase by trans-complementation analysis

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) integrase protein (IN) catalyzes two reactions required to integrate HIV DNA into the human genome: 3' processing of the viral DNA ends and integration. IN has three domains, the N-terminal zinc-binding domain, the catalytic core, and the C-terminal SH3 domain. Previously, it was shown that IN proteins mutated in different domains could complement each other. We now report that this does not require any overlap between the two complementing proteins; an N-terminal domain, provided in trans, can restore IN activity of a mutant lacking this domain. Only the zinc-coordinating form of the N-terminal domain can efficiently restore IN activity of an N-terminal deletion mutant. This suggests that interaction between different domains of IN is needed for functional multimerization. We find that the N-terminal domain of feline immunodeficiency virus IN can support IN activity of an N-terminal deletion mutant of HIV type 2 IN. These cross-complementation experiments indicate that the N-terminal domain contributes to the recognition of specific viral DNA ends.

Mutational scan of the human immunodeficiency virus type 2 integrase protein

Retroviral integrase (IN) cleaves linear viral DNA specifically near the ends of the DNA (cleavage reaction) and subsequently couples the processed ends to phosphates in the target DNA (integration reaction). In vitro, IN catalyzes the disintegration reaction, which is the reverse of the integration reaction. Ideally, we would like to test the role of each amino acid in the IN protein. We mutagenized human immunodeficiency virus type 2 IN in a random way using PCR mutagenesis and generated a set of mutants in which 35% of all residues were substituted. Mutant proteins were tested for in vitro activity, e.g., site-specific cleavage of viral DNA, integration, and disintegration. Changes in 61 of the 90 proteins investigated showed no phenotypic effect. Substitutions that changed the choice of nucleophile in the cleavage reaction were found. These clustered around the active-site residues Asp-116 and Glu-152. We also found alterations of amino acids that affected cleavage and integration differentially. In addition, we analyzed the disintegration activity of the proteins and found substitutions of amino acids close to the dimer interface that enhanced intermolecular disintegration activity, whereas other catalytic activities were present at wild-type levels. This study shows the feasibility of investigating the role of virtually any amino acid in a protein the size of IN.

Mapping viral DNA specificity to the central region of integrase by using functional human immunodeficiency virus type 1/visna virus chimeric proteins

We previously described the construction and analysis of the first set of functional chimeric lentivirus integrases, involving exchange of the N-terminal, central, and C-terminal regions of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and visna virus integrase (IN) proteins. Based on those results, additional HIV-1/visna virus chimeric integrases were designed and purified. Each of the chimeric enzymes was functional in at least one oligonucleotide-based IN assay. Of a total of 12 chimeric IN proteins, 3 exhibit specific viral DNA processing, 9 catalyze insertion of viral DNA ends, 12 can reverse that reaction, and 11 are active for nonspecific alcoholysis. Functional data obtained with the processing assay indicate that the central region of the protein is responsible for viral DNA specificity. Target site selection for nonspecific alcoholysis again mapped to the central domain of IN, confirming our previous data indicating that this region can position nonviral DNA for nucleophilic attack. However, the chimeric proteins created patterns of viral DNA insertion distinct from that of either wild-type IN, suggesting that interactions between regions of IN influence target site selection for viral DNA integration. The results support a new model for the functional organization of IN in which viral DNA initially binds nonspecifically to the C-terminal portion of IN but the catalytic central region of the enzyme has a prominent role both in specific recognition of viral DNA ends and in positioning the host DNA for viral DNA integration.

Mode of interaction of G-quartets with the integrase of human immunodeficiency virus type 1

Oligonucleotides that can form a highly stable intramolecular four-stranded DNA structure containing two stacked guanosine-quartets (G-quartets) have been reported to inhibit the replication of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in cell culture. Two possible mechanisms for the observed antiviral activity have been proposed: interference with virus adsorption to the cell and/or inhibition of HIV-1 integrase. We investigated the molecular interaction of G-quartet-containing oligonucleotides with HIV-1 integrase in comparison with random oligonucleotides and dextran sulfate. The prototypical G-quartet-containing oligonucleotide, T30177 (Zintevir), inhibited the overall integration reaction with an IC50 value of 80 nM. A random oligonucleotide was 10-fold less potent, but dextran sulfate was more potent, with an IC50 value of 7 nM. We developed novel kinetic assays to dissect the overall integration reaction in three steps: the formation of the initial stable complex (ISC), the 3'-processing reaction, and the DNA strand-transfer step. We then analyzed the kinetics of the ISC formation and 3'-processing. The rate constant determined for the conversion of ISC into the cleaved product was 0.08 +/- 0.01 min-1. T30177 did not inhibit 3'-processing or DNA strand transfer, whereas dextran sulfate inhibited DNA strand transfer to some extent. Binding studies using surface plasmon resonance technology revealed that both T30177 and dextran sulfate were capable of preventing the binding of integrase to specific DNA. We propose a model in which the interaction of HIV-1 integrase with G-quartets results in the inhibition of the formation of the ISC between integrase and substrate DNA. Finally, we selected for an HIV-1 strain that was resistant to T30177 in cell culture. DNA sequence analysis revealed mutations in the envelope glycoprotein gp120 but not in the integrase gene. Although gp120 seems to be the main target for the antiviral activity in cell culture of G-quartets, the study of their specific inhibition of HIV-1 integrase may lead to the development of effective integrase inhibitors.

Avian retrovirus U3 and U5 DNA inverted repeats. Role Of nonsymmetrical nucleotides in promoting full-site integration by purified virion and bacterial recombinant integrases

The U3 and U5 termini of linear retrovirus DNA contain imperfect inverted repeats that are necessary for the concerted insertion of the termini into the host chromosome by viral integrase. Avian myeloblastosis virus integrase can efficiently insert the termini of retrovirus-like DNA donor substrates (480 base pairs) by a concerted mechanism (full-site reaction) into circular target DNA in vitro. The specific activities of virion-derived avian myeloblastosis virus integrase and bacterial recombinant Rous sarcoma virus (Prague A strain) integrase (approximately 50 nM or less) appear similar upon catalyzing the full-site reaction with 3'-OH recessed wild type or mutant donor substrates. We examined the role of the three nonsymmetrical nucleotides located at the 5th, 8th, and 12th positions in the U3 and U5 15-base pair inverted repeats for their ability to modify the full-site and simultaneously, the half-site strand transfer reactions. Our data suggest that the nucleotide at the 5th position appears to be responsible for the 3-5-fold preference for wild type U3 ends over wild type U5 ends by integrase for concerted integration. Additional mutations at the 5th or 6th position, or both, of U3 or U5 termini significantly increased (approximately 3 fold) the full-site reactions of mutant donors over wild type donors.

Characterization of feline immunodeficiency virus integrase and analysis of functional domains

The wild-type and mutant derivatives of the integrase protein of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified proteins were examined using various model DNA substrates for their catalytic activities: 3'-end processing, 3'-end joining, and disintegration. The reactions required the presence of either Mn2+ or Mg2+ as a divalent cation. The N-terminal and C-subterminal domains (residues 1-52 and 189-235, respectively) were necessary for 3'-end processing and joining reactions but not for disintegration. Substitution of asparagine for the highly conserved aspartic acid at position 118 resulted in a complete loss of all three activities, confirming that the catalytic domain resides in the central core region (residues 53-188) of the protein. Deletion of the C-terminus (residues 236-281) resulted in a FIV integrase mutant that had efficient 3'-end processing and disintegration activities but weak 3'-end joining activity, a finding that has not been reported previously with other retroviral integrases. The result suggests that the C-terminus is the primary binding site for target DNA. Attachment of a histidine-tag at the N-terminus of the wild-type and deletion derivatives increased the binding affinity to the DNA substrate, resulting in altered levels of catalytic activities and selection of integration sites. Similar to other retroviral integrases, certain pairs of mutant derivatives of FIV integrase could complement each other to restitute 3'-end processing and joining activities, suggesting that formation of functional multimers is a general feature of proteins in the integrase family.

Central core domain of retroviral integrase is responsible for target site selection

Integration of retroviral DNA can occur into many sites on target DNA with a wide variation in preference. One factor known to affect target site selection is integrase, the viral protein required for the integration reaction. In this study, assays that measure the distribution and frequency of retroviral DNA integration showed that purified integrases of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) had different patterns of target site usage. The integrase domain involved in target site selection was mapped by analyzing the integration pattern of chimeric proteins formed between HIV-1 and FIV integrases and of deletion variants of the two wild-type integrases. The results indicate that the domain responsible for target site selection resides in the central core region of integrase.

3'-end processing and kinetics of 5'-end joining during retroviral integration in vivo

Retroviral replication depends on integration of viral DNA into a host cell chromosome. Integration proceeds in three steps: 3'-end processing, the endonucleolytic removal of the two terminal nucleotides from each 3' end of the viral DNA; strand transfer, the joining of the 3' ends of viral DNA to host DNA; and 5'-end joining (or gap repair), the joining of the 5' ends of viral DNA to host DNA. The 5'-end joining step has never been investigated, either for retroviral integration or for any other transposition process. We have developed an assay for 5'-end joining in vivo and have examined the kinetics of 5'-end joining for Moloney murine leukemia virus (MLV). The interval between 3'-end and 5'-end joining is estimated to be less than 1 h. This assay will be a useful tool for examining whether viral or host components mediate 5'-end joining. MLV integrates its DNA only after its host cell has completed mitosis. We show that the extent of 3'-end processing is the same in unsynchronized and aphidicolin-arrested cells. 3'-end processing therefore does not depend on mitosis.

Disruption of the terminal base pairs of retroviral DNA during integration

Integrase catalyzes two essential steps in the integration of the retroviral genome--end processing and strand transfer--both of which require the interaction of integrase with viral att sites located at the ends of viral genomic DNA. These two different polynucleotidyl transfer reactions are apparently carried out by a single active site. The end product of these reactions, the integrated provirus, does not undergo transposition and remains a stable part of the host cell genome. A central question in understanding the mechanism of integration is how a single active site accomplishes two distinct polynucleotidyl transfer reactions. We propose that integrase distorts DNA substrates to accommodate both reactions within the active site. Evidence is provided for disruption of base-pairing at the terminus of viral DNA during end processing. Furthermore, we show that this end fraying is a required step in end processing and that it appears to occur after initial binding of the viral DNA end. This requirement for base-pair disruption may account for the inability of integrase to use internal sites on DNA molecules as viral att sites. The specificity of integrase for DNA ends solves a problem posed by the long terminal repeat structure of the viral genome, and may help to prevent transposition of integrated proviruses.

Influence of subterminal viral DNA nucleotides on differential susceptibility to cleavage by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and visna virus integrases

A comparison of the extents of site-specific cleavage of U5 and U3 viral DNA termini by the integrases of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and visna virus guided the quantitative testing of oligonucleotide substrates containing specific base substitutions. The simultaneous exchange of positions 5 and 6 between U3 substrates switched the patterns of differential susceptibility to the two integrases. The activity of visna virus integrase was more dependent on the identity of position 5 adjacent to the invariant CA bases than on position 6, whereas human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase appeared to interact even more critically with position 6. Although the paired natural substrates of most lentiviral integrases match at positions 7 and 8, these bases were not important for susceptibility of U5 substrates. In fact, the final six U5 positions contained all of the sequence information necessary for susceptibility. These results suggest that constraints other than integration influence the terminal inverted repeats of retroviral DNA.

Inhibition of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase by guanosine quartet structures

An oligonucleotide (T30177) composed entirely of deoxyguanosine and thymidine has previously been shown to fold upon itself in the presence of potassium into a highly stable four-stranded DNA structure containing two stacked deoxyguanosine quartets (G4s). T30177 also protects host cells from the cytopathic effects of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). We report that this G4 oligonucleotide is the most potent inhibitor of HIV-1 integrase identified to date, with IC50 values in the nanomolar range. Both the number of quartets formed and the sequence of the loops between the quartets are important for optimal activity. T30177 binds to HIV-1 integrase without being processed and blocks the binding of the normal viral DNA substrate to the enzyme. The normal DNA substrate was not able to compete off T30177 binding to HIV-1 integrase, indicating a tight binding of G4s to the enzyme. Experiments with truncated HIV-1 integrases indicate that the N-terminal region containing a putative zinc finger is required for inhibition by T30177 and that T30177 binds better to full-length or deletion mutant integrases containing the zinc finger region than to a deletion mutant consisting of only the central catalytic domain. The N-terminal region of integrase alone is able to bind efficiently to T30177, but not the linear viral DNA substrate, in the presence of zinc. Hence, G4s represent the first class of compounds that inhibit HIV-1 integrase by interacting with the enzyme N-terminal domain. The greater inhibitory potency of T30177 in buffer containing magnesium versus manganese suggests that divalent metal ion coordination along the phosphodiester backbone may play a role in the inhibitory activity. T30177 inhibited HIV-2 integrase with similar potency as HIV-1 but inhibited feline and simian immunodeficiency virus integrases at higher concentrations, suggesting selectivity can be achieved. We propose that novel AIDS therapies could be based upon guanosine quarters as inhibitors of HIV-1 integrase.

Inhibitors of HIV-1 replication [corrected; erratum to be published] that inhibit HIV integrase

HIV-1 replication depends on the viral enzyme integrase that mediates integration of a DNA copy of the virus into the host cell genome. This enzyme represents a novel target to which antiviral agents might be directed. Three compounds, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 1-methoxyoxalyl-3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, and L-chicoric acid, inhibit HIV-1 integrase in biochemical assays at concentrations ranging from 0.06-0.66 microgram/ml; furthermore, these compounds inhibit HIV-1 replication in tissue culture at 1-4 microgram/ml. The toxic concentrations of these compounds are fully 100-fold greater than their antiviral concentrations. These compounds represent a potentially important new class of antiviral agents that may contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of viral integration. Thus, the dicaffeoylquinic acids are promising leads to new anti-HIV therapeutics and offer a significant advance in the search for new HIV enzyme targets as they are both specific for HIV-1 integrase and active against HIV-1 in tissue culture.

Human endogenous retrovirus K10 encodes a functional integrase

We cloned a human endogenous retrovirus K1O DNA fragment encoding integrase and expressed it as a fusion protein with Escherichia coli maltose-binding protein. Integrase activities were measured in vitro by using a double-stranded oligonucleotide as a substrate mimicking viral long terminal repeats (LTR). The fusion protein was highly active for both terminal cleavage and strand transfer in the presence of Mn2+ on the K1O LTR substrate. It was also active on both Rous sarcoma virus and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 LTR substrates, whereas Rous sarcoma virus and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrases were active only on their corresponding LTR substrates. The results strongly suggest that K1O encodes a functional integrase with relaxed substrate specificity.

Nonspecific alcoholysis, a novel endonuclease activity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and other retroviral integrases

Retroviral integrase (IN) exhibits a previously unrecognized endonuclease activity which we have termed nonspecific alcoholysis. This action occurred at every position in nonviral DNA sequences except those near 5' ends and is clearly distinguished from, and was not predicted by, the site-specific alcoholysis activity previously described for IN at the processing site near viral DNA termini. The integrases of human immunodeficiency virus type 1, visna virus, and Rous sarcoma virus exhibited different target site preferences in this new assay. The isolated central domain of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 IN preferred the same sites as the full-length protein. Nonspecific alcoholysis may provide insights into the structure and function of IN and other endonucleases and suggests that stimulators of some activities possessed by retroviral enzymes should be sought as antiviral agents.

Identification of a hexapeptide inhibitor of the human immunodeficiency virus integrase protein by using a combinatorial chemical library

Integration of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) DNA into the human genome requires the virus-encoded integrase (IN) protein, and therefore the IN protein is a suitable target for antiviral strategies. To find a potent HIV IN inhibitor, we screened a "synthetic peptide combinatorial library." We identified a hexapeptide with the sequence HCKFWW that inhibits IN-mediated 3'-processing and integration with an IC50 of 2 microM. The peptide is active on IN proteins from other retroviruses such as HIV-2, feline immunodeficiency virus, and Moloney murine leukemia virus, supporting the notion that a conserved region of IN is targeted. The hexapeptide was also tested in the disintegration reaction. This phosphoryl-transfer reaction can be carried out by the catalytic core of IN alone, and the peptide HCKFWW was found to inhibit this reaction, suggesting that the hexapeptide acts at or near the catalytic site of IN. Identification of an IN hexapeptide inhibitor provides proof of concept for the approach, and, moreover, this peptide may be useful for structure-function analysis of IN.

Assembly and catalytic properties of retrovirus integrase-DNA complexes capable of efficiently performing concerted integration

The in vitro assembly process for forming nucleoprotein complexes containing linear retrovirus-like DNA and integrase (IN) was investigated. Solution conditions that allowed avian myeloblastosis virus IN to efficiently pair two separate linear DNA fragments (each 487 bp in length) containing 3' OH recessed long terminal repeat termini were established. Pairing of the viral termini by IN during preincubation on ice permitted these nucleoprotein complexes to catalyze the concerted insertion of the two termini into a circular DNA target (full-site reaction), mimicking the in vivo reaction. The three major solution determinants were high concentrations of NaCl (0.33 M), 1,4-dioxane, and polyethylene glycol. The aprotic solvent dioxane (15%) was significantly better (sixfold) than 15% dimethyl sulfoxide for forming complexes capable of full-site rather than half-site integration events. Half-site reactions by IN involved the insertion of a single donor terminus into circular pGEM. Although NaCl was essential for the efficient promotion of the concerted integration reaction, dioxane was necessary to prevent half-site reactions from occurring at high NaCl concentrations. Under optimal solution conditions, the concerted integration reaction was directly proportional to a sixfold range of IN. The complexes appeared not to turn over, and few half-site donor-donor molecules were produced. In the presence of 0.15 or 0.35 M NaCl, dioxane prevented efficient 3' OH trimming of a blunt-ended donor by IN, suggesting that the complexes formed by IN with blunt-ended donors were different from those formed with donors containing 3' OH recessed termini for strand transfer. The results suggest that IN alone was capable of protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions that efficiently promote the in vitro concerted integration reaction.

Concerted integration of retrovirus-like DNA by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase

The integration of linear retrovirus DNA by the viral integrase (IN) into the host chromosome occurs by a concerted mechanism (full-site reaction). IN purified from avian myeloblastosis virus and using retrovirus-like DNA restriction fragments (487 bp in length) as donors and circular DNA (pGEM-3) as the target can efficiently catalyze that reaction. Nonionic detergent lysates of purified human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) virions were also capable of catalyzing the concerted integration reaction. The donor substrates were restriction fragments (469 bp) containing either U3-U5 (H-2 donor) or U5-U5 (H-5 donor) long terminal repeat sequences at their ends. As was shown previously with bacterially expressed HIV-1 IN, the U5 terminus of H-2 was preferred over the U3 terminus by virion-associated IN. The reactions involving two donors per circular target by HIV-1 IN preferred Mg2+ over Mn2+. Both metal ions were equally effective for the circular half-site reaction involving only one donor molecule. The linear 3.8-kbp recombinant products produced from two donor insertions into pGEM were genetically selected, and the donor-target junctions of individual recombinants were sequenced. A total of 55% of the 87 sequenced recombinants had host site duplications of between 5 and 7 bp, with the HIV-1 5-bp-specific duplication predominating. The other recombinants that migrated at the linear 3.8-kbp position were mainly small deletions that were grouped into four sets of 17, 27, 40, and 47 bp, each having a periodicity mimicking a turn of the DNA helix. Aprotic solvents (dimethyl sulfoxide and 1,4-dioxane) enhanced both the half-site and the linear 3.8-kbp strand transfer reactions which favored low-salt conditions (30 mM NaCl). The order of addition of the donor and target during preincubation with HIV-1 IN on ice did not affect the quantity of linear 3.8-kbp recombinants relative to that of the circular half-site products that were produced; only the quantity of donor-donor versus donor-target recombinants was affected. The presence of Mg2+ in the preincubation mixtures containing donor and target substrates was not necessary for the stability of preintegration complexes on ice or at 22 degrees C. Comparisons of the avian and HIV-1 concerted integration reactions are discussed.

Mapping domains of retroviral integrase responsible for viral DNA specificity and target site selection by analysis of chimeras between human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and visna virus integrases

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and visna virus integrases were purified from a bacterial expression system and assayed on oligonucleotide substrates derived from each terminus of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and visna virus linear DNA. Three differences between the proteins were identified, including levels of specific 3'-end processing, patterns of strand transfer, and target site preferences. To map domains of integrase (IN) responsible for viral DNA specificity and target site selection, we constructed and purified chimeric proteins in which the N-terminal, central, and C-terminal regions of these lentiviral integrases were exchanged. All six chimeric proteins were active for disintegration, demonstrating that the active site in the central region of each chimera maintained a functional conformation. Analysis of endonucleolytic processing activity indicated that the N terminus of IN does not contribute to viral DNA specificity; this function must reside in the central region or C terminus of IN. In the viral DNA integration assay, chimeric proteins gave novel patterns of strand transfer products which did not match that of either wild-type IN. Thus, target site selection with a viral DNA terminus as nucleophile could not be mapped to regions of IN defined by these boundaries and may involve interactions between regions. In contrast, when target site preferences were monitored with a new assay in which glycerol stimulates IN-mediated cleavage of nonviral DNA, chimeras clearly segregated between the two wild-type patterns. Target site selection for this nonspecific alcoholysis activity mapped to the central region of IN. This report represents the first detailed description of functional chimeras between any two retroviral integrases.

Substrate specificity of Ty1 integrase

Integration of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae retrotransposon Ty1 requires the element-encoded integrase (IN) protein, which is a component of cytoplasmic virus-like particles (VLPs). Using purified recombinant Ty1 IN and an oligonucleotide integration assay based on Ty1 long terminal repeat sequences, we have compared IN activity on substrates having either wild-type or altered donor ends. IN showed a marked preference for blunt-end substrates terminating in an A:T pair over substrates ending in a G:C pair or a 3' dideoxyadenosine. VLP activity on representative substrates also showed preference for donor strands which have an adenosine terminus. Staggered-end substrates showed little activity when nucleotides were removed from the end of the wild-type donor strand, but removal of one nucleotide from the complementary strand did not significantly diminish activity. Removal of additional nucleotides from the complementary strand reduced activity to minimal detection levels. These results suggest that the sequence specificity of Ty1 IN is not stringent in vitro. The absence of Ty1 IN-mediated 3' dinucleotide cleavage, a characteristic of retroviral integrases, was demonstrated by using selected substrates. In addition to the forward reaction, both recombinant IN and VLP-associated IN carry out the reverse disintegration reaction with long terminal repeat-based dumbbell substrates. Disintegration activity exhibits sequence preferences similar to those observed for the forward reaction.

Characterization of recombinant murine leukemia virus integrase

Retroviral integration involves two DNA substrates that play different roles. The viral DNA substrate is recognized by virtue of specific nucleotide sequences near the end of a double-stranded DNA molecule. The target DNA substrate is recognized at internal sites with little sequence preference; nucleosomal DNA appears to be preferred for this role. Despite this apparent asymmetry in the sequence, structure, and roles of the DNA substrates in the integration reaction, the existence of distinct binding sites for viral and target DNA substrates has been controversial. In this report, we describe the expression in Escherichia coli and purification of Moloney murine leukemia virus integrase as a fusion protein with glutathione S-transferase, characterization of its activity by using several model DNA substrates, and the initial kinetic characterization of its interactions with a model viral DNA substrate. We provide evidence for functionally and kinetically distinct binding sites for viral and target DNA substrates and describe a cross-linking assay for DNA binding at a site whose specificity is consistent with the target DNA binding site.

DNA substrate requirements for different activities of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase protein

The integrase protein (IN) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 removes two nucleotides from both 3' ends of the viral DNA (donor cleavage) and subsequently couples the newly generated 3' OH groups to phosphates in the target DNA (integration). The sequence requirements of IN for cleavage as well as for integration of viral DNA substrates have previously been studied by mutational analyses and by adduct interference assays. We extended these studies by analysis of heteroduplex oligonucleotide substrates and by missing-base analysis. We found for some base pairs that mutation of only one of the two bases and not the other affected IN activity. These base pairs center around the cleavage site. Besides donor cleavage and integration, IN can also perform "intermolecular disintegration," which has been described as the reversal of the integration reaction. We found that this reaction is independent of viral DNA sequences. In addition, the optimum spacing between the integration sites in intermolecular disintegration does not reflect the spacing found in vivo. These results indicate that this reaction is not the exact reversal of integration but rather is a sequence-independent phosphoryl transfer reaction between gapped DNA duplex molecules.

Efficient concerted integration of retrovirus-like DNA in vitro by avian myeloblastosis virus integrase

We report the efficient concerted integration of a linear virus-like DNA donor into a 2.8 kbp circular DNA target by integrase (IN) purified from avian myeloblastosis virus. The donor was 528 bp, contained recessed 3' OH ends, was 5' end labeled, and had a unique restriction site not found in the target. Analysis of concerted (full-site) and half-site integration events was accomplished by restriction enzyme analysis and agarose gel electrophoresis. The donor also contained the SupF gene that was used for genetic selection of individual full-site recombinants to determine the host duplication size. Two different pathways, involving either one donor or two donor molecules, were used to produce full-site recombinants. About 90% of the full-site recombinants were the result of using two donor molecules per target. These results imply that juxtapositioning an end from each of two donors by IN was more efficient than the juxtapositioning of two ends of a single donor for the full-site reaction. The formation of preintegration complexes containing integrase and donor on ice prior to the addition of target enhanced the full-site reaction. After a 30 min reaction at 37 degrees C, approximately 20-25% of all donor/target recombinants were the result of concerted integration events. The efficient production of full-site recombinants required Mg2+; Mn2+ was only efficient for the production of half-site recombinants. We suggest that these preintegration complexes can be used to investigate the relationships between the 3' OH trimming and strand transfer reactions.

Methylphosphonodiester substitution near the conserved CA dinucleotide in the HIV LTR alters both extent of 3'-processing and choice of nucleophile by HIV-1 integrase

We present evidence suggesting that the 3'-processing activity of HIV-1 integrase is dramatically affected by electrostatic and/or steric perturbations 3' to the conserved CA dinucleotide. When the phosphodiester bond 3' to the scissile phosphodiester is replaced by a methylphosphonodiester linkage, 3'-processing decreases by two orders of magnitude. This block of cleavage can be somewhat overcome by increasing the pH of the reaction. Labeling of the substrates at the 3'-end revealed blockage of water and glycerol, but stimulation of the viral DNA 3'-hydroxyl, acting as the nucleophile with the methylphosphonodiester substrate. Interestingly, a circular trinucleotide was formed using the phosphodiester and methylphosphonodiester substrates when the terminal nucleotide was 3'-deoxyadenosine but not 2'-deoxyadenosine. Mutagenesis of the enzyme active site has previously been shown to alter the choice of nucleophile in the 3'-processing reaction. Taken together, the results in this study suggest that 'mutagenesis' of the DNA backbone can also alter the choice of nucleophile.

Characterization of the minimal DNA-binding domain of the HIV integrase protein

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) integrase (IN) protein mediates an essential step in the retroviral lifecycle, the integration of viral DNA into human DNA. A DNA-binding domain of HIV IN has previously been identified in the C-terminal part of the protein. We tested truncated proteins of the C-terminal region of HIV-1 IN for DNA binding activity in two different assays: UV-crosslinking and southwestern blot analysis. We found that a polypeptide fragment of 50 amino acids (IN220-270) is sufficient for DNA binding. In contrast to full-length IN protein, this domain is soluble under low salt conditions. DNA binding of IN220-270 to both viral DNA and non-specific DNA occurs in an ion-independent fashion. Point mutations were introduced in 10 different amino acid residues of the DNA-binding domain of HIV-2 IN. Mutation of basic amino acid K264 results in strong reduction of DNA binding and of integrase activity.

Formation of a stable complex between the human immunodeficiency virus integrase protein and viral DNA

The integrase (IN) protein of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) mediates two distinct reactions: (i) specific removal of two nucleotides from the 3' ends of the viral DNA and (ii) integration of the viral DNA into target DNA. Although IN discriminates between specific (viral) DNA and nonspecific DNA in physical in vitro assays, a sequence-specific DNA-binding domain could not be identified in the protein. A nonspecific DNA-binding domain, however, was found at the C terminus of the protein. We examined the DNA-binding characteristics of HIV-1 IN, and found that a stable complex of IN and viral DNA is formed in the presence of Mn2+. The IN-viral DNA complex is resistant to challenge by an excess of competitor DNA. Stable binding of IN to the viral DNA requires that the protein contains an intact N-terminal domain and active site (in the central region of the protein), in addition to the C-terminal DNA-binding domain.