HIV-1 regulatory protein Rev (Rev)

HIV-1 Rev protein is a small, essential regulatory protein (~13 kDa, 116 amino acids) encoded by the rev gene of HIV-1 and other lentiviruses[1][3][6]. Rev orchestrates the nuclear export of intron-containing viral mRNAs by binding a structured RNA element (Rev response element, RRE) within these transcripts using its arginine-rich motif, and assembling into an oligomeric complex[3][4][7]. This process is a crucial step in viral replication, enabling production of structural proteins and genomic RNAs needed for virus assembly[1][2][5]. Rev achieves this by recruiting the host cell's nuclear export machinery—specifically CRM1—via its nuclear export signal[1][3][6]. Rev is not a human therapeutic target in the classic sense (receptor, enzyme, transporter, etc.), but experimental strategies have explored Rev–RRE interaction as a potential antiviral target. Rev shows significant variation among HIV-1 subtypes, which can impact its function and potentially modulate disease progression[6]. Note: Rev protein is not a canonical host receptor, enzyme, or transporter. It is a regulatory protein specific to HIV-1 and related viruses, and therefore not a classic therapeutic target for approved drugs. However, its essentiality for HIV-1 replication makes it an experimental target for antiviral strategies[1][2][3].

Other names

Regulator of expression of virion proteinsAnti-repression transactivator (Art)Transregulator of splicing (Trs)

Not applicable (no approved therapeutic inhibitors); proposed mechanisms for experimental inhibitors include disruption of Rev-RRE binding, inhibition of Rev oligomerization, and blockade of CRM1–mediated nuclear export