Biochemistry

E-mail: wes@biochem.utah.edu
Address: EEJ Rm 4100
Phone: 585-5402

HIV-1 Disassembly and Restriction

The cone-shaped inner capsid of the mature infectious HIV-1 virus is organized by the viral CA protein. Upon infection, the capsid cone disassembles to release the viral replication particle into the cytoplasm of the newly infected cell. Our previous NMR, crystallographic, and EM studies have revealed the structure of the CA protein and explained how it can form a conical capsid.  We are now studying how the HIV-1 capsid disassembles when the virus enters a new cell and how the capsid is recognized and destroyed by intrinsic cellular defense mechanisms.

1/2008