HIV-1 transactivator protein Tat (Tat)

HIV-1 transactivator protein Tat is a small, essential regulatory protein encoded by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1. Tat is required for efficient transcriptional activation of the HIV genome by binding to the trans-activation response element (TAR) RNA at the 5′ end of nascent viral transcripts, thereby recruiting host transcription complexes such as P-TEFb (CDK9 and cyclin T1) or SEC and dramatically increasing viral RNA synthesis. Tat also regulates host cellular gene expression, modulates immune cell functions, and can be exported from infected cells to induce toxic effects in uninfected bystander cells, impacting neuronal and endothelial functions and contributing to HIV-associated pathologies. Inhibition of Tat represents a potential therapeutic strategy for reducing viral reservoirs and HIV disease progression.

Other names

Trans-activator of transcriptionTat proteinTat-1HIV Tat proteinTransactivator of transcription protein

Drugs/vaccines targeting Tat generally act by inhibiting its interaction with the TAR element, preventing assembly or activity of transcription complexes, or by blocking its extracellular or intracellular functions