Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Regulator of expression of virion proteins (Rev) (Rev)

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Regulator of expression of virion proteins (Rev) is an essential 13 kDa regulatory protein required for viral replication (NIH, UniProt). It functions as a nuclear export factor that shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm, specifically binding to the Rev Response Element (RRE) within unspliced and singly spliced viral mRNAs (Wikipedia, NIH). This binding facilitates the export of these transcripts from the nucleus, which is necessary for the translation of structural proteins like Gag, Pol, and Env (UniProt, NIH). In the context of MVA-based vaccines, such as MVA-B, Rev is included as an antigen to stimulate cellular immune responses, particularly cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), which can recognize and eliminate HIV-infected cells early in the viral life cycle (NIH, Wikipedia). While not a target of current FDA-approved antiretroviral therapies, Rev remains a significant focus for vaccine development and novel therapeutic strategies aimed at disrupting viral RNA processing (NIH, PubMed). Safety considerations for Rev-targeting vaccines include the impact of pre-existing immunity to the viral vector, such as Modified Vaccinia Ankara, which may reduce the magnitude of the induced immune response (NIH).

Other names

Regulator of expression of viral proteinsART (Anti-repression transactivator)TRS (Transregulator of splicing)Protein RevHIV-1 Rev

Vaccines induce HIV-1-specific T-cell and B-cell immune responses against the Rev antigen; experimental inhibitors disrupt Rev-RRE binding or block CRM1-mediated nuclear export.