Human immunodeficiency virus 1 Gag polyprotein (HIV-1 Gag)

The **Human immunodeficiency virus 1 Gag polyprotein** is the major structural precursor protein of HIV-1, playing a central role in the assembly, release, and maturation of viral particles[1][2][3][5][9]. Gag consists of several domains: matrix (MA), capsid (CA), nucleocapsid (NC), p6, and the spacer peptides SP1 and SP2. It oligomerizes at the plasma membrane of infected cells to direct budding and assembly of immature virions. During or after budding, Gag is cleaved by the viral protease at multiple specific sites, producing the mature structural proteins required for infectivity. This maturation process involves dramatic rearrangements that transform the particle from a non-infectious to an infectious state, with CA forming the mature conical capsid and NC packaging the viral RNA genome[1][2][3][5][10]. Gag is an essential therapeutic target for HIV inhibitors, particularly those that disrupt its maturation function or assembly. Its antigens, especially the p24 fragment, are widely used biomarkers for HIV detection in diagnostics[9].

Other names

Gag polyproteinHIV-1 GagGroup-specific antigen (Gag)Pr55GagGAG_HV1H2

Inhibition of Gag processing (prevents maturation of viral particles); Stabilization of the CA-SP1 helix (blocks proper virion maturation)