HIV-1 Negative Regulatory Factor protein (Nef)

The HIV-1 Nef protein (Negative Regulatory Factor) is a small, myristoylated accessory protein crucial for optimizing the host cell environment for viral replication and immune evasion. It acts as a multivalent adaptor protein, modulating numerous host cell pathways to favor viral persistence and immune evasion. Key functions include downregulation of CD4 and MHC-I molecules, modulation of T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling, and counteracting restriction factors like SERINC5. Nef is indispensable for high-level viral replication in vivo, making it a potential therapeutic target.

Other names

Negative factorF-proteinProtein Nefnef

Nef lacks intrinsic enzymatic activity but exerts its effects through interactions with various cellular proteins. It functions as an adaptor/scaffold, interacting with host cell proteins via motifs such as the PxxPxR motif.