Characterization of a Human Immunodeciency Virus Type 1 Pre-Integration Complex - Essay Example

The Nef and Vif proteins are closely linked with the core. The R (Vpr), a viral protein, is also located inside the virion, but perhaps it is positioned on the outer side of the core (Zhou et al, 1999). Capsid defends the single-stranded RNA, each having a 9 genes copy. The genes encoding of structural proteins involves Env, Pol, and Gag genes like For coding GP160 Env gene plays its role and breaks down it into GP41 and GP120.

Functional role and Contribution in the HIV-1 pathogenicity

GP120 initiates infection by getting attached to particular target cells via the CD4 protein, primary receptor along with a co-receptor, usually CXCR4 or CCR5 (for a review, see Levy, 1998), resulting in the fusion of viral bilayer of lipid with the plasma membrane. Afterward, it is generalized that the core extends into a complex of undeveloped reverse) (Khiytani and Dimmock, 2002:50), which then matures and forms a better distinct nucleoprotein structure usually termed PIC within the cytoplasm.

 Subsequent to fusion, it is assumed that the core of the virus extends into an undeveloped reverse transcription complex, and in turn, this grows up into a better distinct nucleoprotein structure which is termed PIC (Jeang, 2007:430). They contain Vpr, RT, reduced quantity of MA, IN, and HMG 1. The protein RT reverse transcribes the RNA of virus PICs to transport the newly produced viral cDNA to the nucleus and integrate it into the intended cell genome. MA, IN, and Vpr may also contribute to such targeting.

HIV-1 infection is a subtle worsening of the immune system of the cell. The CD4+ T-cells proportion and the quantity both decrease consistently over a period of time which is then associated with the growth of AIDS in such patients. Researchers assume that such a CD4+ T-cell depletion observed within the plasma section was insightful of the whole pool of CD4+ T-cell and was driven by virus replication within the host (Leonard et al, 1995:123-126).