Abstract
APOBEC3 proteins mediate potent antiretroviral activity by hypermutating the retroviral genome during reverse transcription. To counteract APOBEC3 and gain a replicative advantage, lentiviruses such as human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) have evolved the Vif protein, which targets APOBEC3 proteins for proteasomal degradation. However, the proteasome plays a critical role in the generation of T cell peptide epitopes. Whether Vif-mediated destruction of APOBEC3 proteins leads to the generation and presentation of APOBEC3-derived T cell epitopes on the surfaces of lentivirus-infected cells remains unknown. Here, using peptides derived from multiple Vif-sensitive APOBEC3 proteins, we identified APOBEC3-specific T cell responses in both HIV-1-infected patients and SIV-infected rhesus macaques. These results raise the possibility that these T cell responses may be part of the larger antiretroviral immune response.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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APOBEC-3G Deaminase
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Adult
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Animals
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / virology*
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Cytidine Deaminase / genetics
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Cytidine Deaminase / immunology*
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Cytosine Deaminase / genetics
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Cytosine Deaminase / immunology*
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Female
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Gene Products, vif / genetics
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Gene Products, vif / immunology
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HIV Infections / enzymology*
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HIV Infections / immunology
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HIV Infections / virology
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HIV-1 / genetics
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HIV-1 / immunology
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HIV-1 / physiology*
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Humans
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Macaca mulatta
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Male
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Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / enzymology*
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Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / immunology
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Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / virology
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Simian Immunodeficiency Virus / genetics
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Simian Immunodeficiency Virus / immunology
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Simian Immunodeficiency Virus / physiology*
Substances
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Gene Products, vif
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APOBEC3F protein, human
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Cytosine Deaminase
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APOBEC-3G Deaminase
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APOBEC3G protein, human
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Cytidine Deaminase