HIV-1 capsid protein p24 (CA) (p24 (CA))

The HIV-1 capsid protein p24 (CA), also known as Gag p24, is a 24 kDa major structural protein encoded by the gag gene, comprising approximately 1,500-3,000 molecules per virion. It forms a conical capsid shell around viral RNA and enzymes in mature virions through oligomerization of N-terminal (NTD with 7 α-helices and β-hairpin) and C-terminal (CTD with 4 α-helices) domains connected by a flexible linker. p24 mediates virion assembly, maturation, reverse transcription, nuclear import via interactions with nucleoporins and CPSF6, and host factors like cyclophilin A (at P90) and inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) for stability. Derived from proteolytic cleavage of the Pr55Gag polyprotein precursor, it is essential for viral replication cycle stages including assembly at plasma membrane, budding, and infectivity.

Other names

Gag p24CAcapsid protein CAp24 capsid protein