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Keywords

HIV, virology, protein stability, mutation effects

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a retrovirus that infects CD4+ T cells. Without treatment, infection with HIV-1 usually leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is characterized as severe immunosuppression (CD4+ count: < 200cells/mm3 of blood). However, some individuals do not advance to AIDS and are known as long-term non-progressors (LTNP). Interestingly, a small viral protein of HIV-1, called viral protein R (Vpr), has been associated with HIV-1 progression. The R77Q mutant has been linked to the LTNP phenotype and increased levels of apoptosis; however, the mechanisms behind it are not yet understood [1]. Previously, our group has found that Vpr was expressed at lower levels in cells infected with R77Q virus compared to the wildtype (WT) virus by western blot [1]. Image quantification of the bands showed an approximate six-fold reduction in protein levels.

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2026-03-26

Language

English

College

Life Sciences

Department

Microbiology and Molecular Biology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Freshman

In Silico Studies of HIV-1 Vpr R77Q Mutant’s Structure and Stability

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Life Sciences Commons

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