HIV-1 Antisense Protein ASP Expression in T Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Clerc Isabelle, Laverdure Sylvain, Torresilla Cynthia, Landry Sébastien, Borel Sophie, Vargas Amandine, Arpin-André Charlotte, Gay Bernard, Briant Laurence, Gross Antoine, Barbeau Benoît, Mesnard Jean-Michel
Primary Institution: Université Montpellier 1, Centre d'études d'agents Pathogènes et Biotechnologies pour la Santé (CPBS), Montpellier, France
Hypothesis
The study aims to demonstrate that the ASP protein is effectively expressed in infected T cells and to characterize its subcellular localization.
Conclusion
The study shows for the first time that ASP can be detected when expressed from full-length HIV-1 proviral DNA and that its localization is consistent with Jurkat T cells overexpressing ASP.
Supporting Evidence
- ASP localized to the plasma membrane in transfected Jurkat T cells.
- ASP showed an asymmetric localization and could be detected in membrane connections between two cells.
- The study confirmed that ASP is effectively expressed from the HIV-1 3' LTR in infected T cells.
Takeaway
Scientists found a protein from HIV-1 called ASP that is made in T cells and sticks to the cell's outer layer, which helps us understand how the virus works.
Methodology
The study involved transfecting Jurkat T cells with vectors expressing ASP and using immunofluorescence microscopy to analyze its localization.
Limitations
The detection of ASP in vivo is challenging due to its low expression levels and the inherent difficulties in characterizing membrane proteins.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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