Overexpression of the lens epithelium-derived growth factor/p75 integrase binding domain inhibits human immunodeficiency virus replication

J Virol. 2006 Dec;80(23):11498-509. doi: 10.1128/JVI.00801-06. Epub 2006 Sep 20.

Abstract

We initially identified lens epithelium-derived growth factor/p75 (LEDGF/p75) as a binding partner of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) integrase. To investigate the role of LEDGF/p75 in HIV replication and its potential as a new antiviral target, we stably overexpressed two different fragments containing the integrase binding domain (IBD) of LEDGF/p75 fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP). HIV-1 replication was severely inhibited by overexpression of the eGFP-IBD fusion proteins, while no inhibition was observed in cell lines overexpressing the interaction-deficient D366A mutant. Quantitative PCR pinpointed the block to the integration step, whereas nuclear import was not affected. Competition of the IBD fusion proteins with endogenous LEDGF/p75 for binding to integrase led to a potent defect in HIV-1 replication in both HeLaP4- and MT-4-derived cell lines. A previously described diketo acid-resistant HIV-1 strain remained fully susceptible to inhibition, suggesting that this strategy will also work in patients who harbor strains resistant to the current experimental integrase inhibitors. These data support LEDGF/p75 as an important cofactor for HIV replication and provide proof of concept for the LEDGF/p75-integrase interaction as a novel target for treating HIV-1 infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line
  • Gene Expression
  • HIV-1 / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / pharmacology*
  • Lens, Crystalline / cytology
  • Transduction, Genetic
  • Virus Integration*
  • Virus Replication / drug effects*

Substances

  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • lens epithelium-derived growth factor