The capsid (CA) protein of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is an essential structural component of a virion and facilitates many crucial life cycle steps through interactions with host cell factors.

In the management of HIV/AIDS, HIV capsid inhibitors are antiretroviral medicines that target the capsid shell of the virus. This is in contrast to other antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV, which do not directly target the viral capsid. [1]

Jul 16, 2015 · This Review describes our understanding of the interactions between the viral capsid core and several cellular factors that enable efficient HIV-1 genome replication, timely core disassembly...

Here, we review the role played by the HIV-1 capsid in the early steps of the HIV-1 life cycle, from reverse transcription, to intracellular trafficking, to nuclear import and integration.

Feb 20, 2025 · Upon infection, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) releases its cone-shaped capsid into the cytoplasm of infected T cells and macrophages. The capsid enters the nuclear pore complex (NPC), driven by interactions with numerous phenylalanine-glycine (FG)-repeat nucleoporins (FG-Nups).

Jan 17, 2025 · Upon infection, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) releases its cone-shaped capsid into the cytoplasm of infected T cells and macrophages. The capsid enters the nuclear pore complex (NPC), driven by interactions with numerous phenylalanine-glycine (FG)-repeat nucleoporins (FG-Nups).

May 10, 2016 · The HIV genome materials are encaged by a proteinaceous shell called the capsid, constructed from ∼1000-1500 copies of the capsid proteins. Because its stability and integrity are critical to the normal life cycle and infectivity of the virus, the HIV capsid is a promising antiviral drug target.

Jan 1, 2020 · HIV-1 uses a proteinaceous shell, called the capsid, which guards the transcribing viral genome from a hostile cellular environment and facilitates transport to the nucleus where it ultimately disassembles in a process known as uncoating (Fig. 1).

This review describes our understanding of the interactions between the viral capsid core and several cellular factors that enable efficient HIV-1 genome replication, timely core disassembly, nuclear import and the integration of the viral genome into the genome of the target cell.

Jan 13, 2025 · We argue that effective regulation of capsid uncoating and evasion of innate immunity define pandemic potential and viral pathogenesis, and we review how comparison of different HIV lineages can reveal what makes pandemic lentiviruses special.