Nef Neutralizes the Ability of Exosomes from CD4+ T Cells to Act as Decoys during HIV-1 Infection

摘要: Nef is an HIV-1 accessory protein that promotes viral replication and pathogenesis. A key function of to ensure sustained depletion CD4 MHC-I molecules in infected cells by inducing targeting these proteins multivesicular bodies (MVBs), ultimately lysosomes for degradation. also affects cellular secretory routes promoting its own secretion via exosomes. To better understand the effects on exocytic pathway, we investigated whether this factor modifies composition exosomes released T lymphocytes. We showed both are secreted from expression reduces amount investigate functional role novel activity Nef, performed vitro infection assays presence distinct populations demonstrated CD4+ cells, but not CD4− efficiently inhibit vitro. Because main receptor infection, results suggest displayed surface can bind envelope hindering virus interaction with target infection. Importantly, CD4-depleted expressing have a reduced capacity These provide evidence reducing besides original levels at cell surface.