HIV-1 Gag-Pol polyprotein (Gag-Pol)

The **HIV-1 Gag-Pol polyprotein** is a large precursor polyprotein produced by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) via ribosomal frameshifting, encoding both structural proteins (Gag) and enzymes (Pol) essential for viral replication and maturation[4][1][5][8]. The Gag segment provides sequences for matrix (MA), capsid (CA), and nucleocapsid (NC) proteins important for virion architecture and assembly, while the Pol segment supplies the viral protease (PR), reverse transcriptase (RT), RNase H, and integrase (IN) essential for processing polyproteins, viral genome reverse transcription, and integration into the host genome[6][1][4][5]. After translation and during viral budding, the Gag-Pol polyprotein is cleaved by the viral protease (embedded within the polyprotein), a process required for virion maturation and infectivity. Disruption of Gag-Pol proteolytic processing—such as by protease inhibitors—results in noninfectious virus and underlies current antiretroviral treatments[5]. Due to its pivotal roles in assembly, replication, and maturation, the Gag-Pol polyprotein is a central therapeutic target in HIV/AIDS drug development.

Other names

HIV-1 Gag-PolHuman immunodeficiency virus type 1 Gag-Pol polyproteinHIV-1 polyproteinGag/Pol

Inhibition of viral protease prevents polyprotein processing, halting virion maturation and producing noninfectious particles Inhibition of reverse transcriptase blocks viral genome replication Inhibition of integrase blocks integration of viral DNA into the host genome