Nef triggers a transcriptional program in T cells imitating single-signal T cell activation and inducing HIV virulence mediators

Immunity. 2001 Jun;14(6):763-77. doi: 10.1016/s1074-7613(01)00158-3.

Abstract

Gene expression profiling was used to explore the role of Nef in HIV. Nef induces a transcriptional program in T cells that is 97% identical to that of anti-CD3 T cell activation. This program is inhibited in the presence of cyclosporin. A requirement for TCR zeta and ZAP-70 is demonstrated for formation of the complete profile. Among eight factors particular to the anti-CD3 activation profile are IL16 and YY1, negative regulators of HIV transcription. In contrast, Nef exclusively upregulates factors positively regulating HIV, including Tat-SF1, U1 SNRNP, and IRF-2. New genes associated with Nef include CDK9, the induction of which enhances Tat function. Thus, Nef acts as a master switch early in the viral life cycle, forcing an environment conducive to dynamic viral production.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinases / metabolism
  • Cyclosporine / pharmacology
  • Gene Expression Profiling*
  • Gene Products, nef / immunology*
  • HIV-1 / immunology*
  • HIV-1 / pathogenicity
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology
  • Jurkat Cells
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology*
  • Membrane Proteins / immunology
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / immunology
  • Receptor-CD3 Complex, Antigen, T-Cell / immunology
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / immunology
  • Signal Transduction / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / virology
  • Transcription, Genetic*
  • Virulence
  • ZAP-70 Protein-Tyrosine Kinase
  • nef Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Substances

  • Gene Products, nef
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Receptor-CD3 Complex, Antigen, T-Cell
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • antigen T cell receptor, zeta chain
  • nef Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
  • Cyclosporine
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • ZAP-70 Protein-Tyrosine Kinase
  • ZAP70 protein, human
  • CDK9 protein, human
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinases