Protein Nef

Function

Protein Nef (Nef) or negative regulatory factor is an HIV and SIV accessory protein which establishes a persistent state of infection. Nef downmodulates the surface levels of molecules at the immune synapse^[1]. The killer human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been contesting with the human immune system for decades. Blunting the epidemic of HIV-induced acquired immuno deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is one of the biggest challenges faced by present day science. The long distressing research effort, thus far, has led to the advent of anti-viral drugs that let the infected people live longer, however, we are yet to find a cure for the infection. The research efforts in the field have undoubtedly revealed some vital facts that make it possible to believe that a breakthrough cure is not far from our reach. One such finding is that of - the role of HIV’s critical protein “Nef” (PDB entry 1qa4, 1qa5). It is one of the most crucial proteins for inducing pathogenesis in host immune system by enhancing viral replication. The absence of Nef sequence from the viral genome renders the virus ineffective by inhibiting its replication. The landmark study by Deacon et al demonstrated that Nef defective virus did not induce AIDS in human population. Nef is a multifunctional accessory protein that is necessary for full HIV-1 virulence. Nef is known to carry out, at least, four genetically separable functions including downregulation of CD4, downregulation of major histocompatibility complex I, activation of p-21 activated protein kinase (Pak2) and enhancement of virion infectivity^[2].

Additional Resources

For additional information, see: Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV and accessory proteins.