Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 capsid protein (p24) (p24)

The Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 capsid protein (p24) is a critical structural component of the virus, forming the conical shell that encases the viral RNA genome and essential enzymes (UniProt P04591). It is derived from the proteolytic cleavage of the Gag polyprotein during viral maturation, a process necessary for the virus to transition into an infectious state (PubMed: 33053376). Beyond its role as a protective container, p24 is actively involved in the early stages of infection, including the regulation of reverse transcription and the facilitation of nuclear import by interacting with host proteins like CPSF6 and cyclophilin A (Nature: 586, 2020). As a therapeutic target, p24 is unique because it can be inhibited at multiple stages of the viral lifecycle, including assembly, disassembly, and nuclear transport. The first-in-class capsid inhibitor, lenacapavir, binds to the interface between p24 subunits, leading to the formation of malformed capsids and blocking the nuclear entry of viral DNA (FDA: Sunlenca Label). Additionally, p24 serves as a primary biomarker for early HIV diagnosis, as it is detectable in the blood shortly after infection and before the development of antibodies (CDC: HIV Testing).

Other names

Capsid proteinCAp24 antigenGag-p24HIV-1 CAHIV-1 p24 core protein

Capsid inhibitor that interferes with multiple stages of the viral lifecycle, including capsid-mediated nuclear import of viral DNA, virion assembly and release, and capsid core formation (FDA: Sunlenca Label).