Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Gag, Reverse transcriptase, Integrase, Nef, and Envelope glycoprotein (HIV-1 Gag, RT, IN, Nef, and Env)

These are major gene products of HIV-1, each performing unique and essential functions in the life cycle of the virus. Gag encodes the core structural proteins required for virion assembly, including matrix (MA), capsid (CA), nucleocapsid (NC), and p6, and is central for particle assembly, membrane targeting, and budding. Reverse transcriptase is the viral polymerase that synthesizes viral DNA from the RNA genome—a process essential for integration and infection. Integrase catalyzes insertion of viral DNA into the host genome and also physically interacts with reverse transcriptase, facilitating reverse transcription. Nef is an accessory protein that modulates host cell machinery, evades immune recognition, and enhances viral persistence and infectivity. Envelope glycoprotein (Env) is synthesized as gp160, then cleaved into gp120 (surface) and gp41 (transmembrane), which mediate attachment and fusion with host cells by engaging CD4 and chemokine co-receptors.

Other names

group-specific antigenRTINnegative regulatory factorEnvgp160 (precursor)gp120 (surface)gp41 (transmembrane)

For Gag, it disrupts assembly and maturation to produce noninfectious particles. For Reverse transcriptase, inhibitors block conversion of RNA genome to DNA, halting viral replication. For Integrase, inhibitors block integration of viral DNA into host genome. For Nef, investigational inhibitors aim to block Nef-mediated immune evasion (not approved). For Envelope glycoprotein, inhibitors block binding or fusion to target cells.