Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Nef Protein (Nef)

The HIV-1 Nef protein (Negative Regulatory Factor) is a small, myristoylated accessory protein encoded by the nef gene of primate lentiviruses, including HIV-1. It functions as an adaptor molecule, interacting with various host cell proteins to manipulate cellular processes that favor viral replication and immune evasion. Key functions include downregulation of CD4, MHC-I, and SERINC5, modulation of cell signaling, and enhancement of viral infectivity. Nef expression is crucial for efficient viral replication, immune evasion, and disease progression toward AIDS, making it a potential target for therapeutic intervention.

Other names

HIV-1 NefNegative Regulatory Factor

Nef acts as a molecular adaptor, forming multiprotein complexes and hijacking vesicular trafficking routes.