The GTPase Domain of MX2 Interacts with the HIV-1 Capsid, Enabling Its Short Isoform to Moderate Antiviral Restriction

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)
240 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Myxovirus resistance 2 (MX2/MXB) is an interferon (IFN)-induced HIV-1 restriction factor that inhibits viral nuclear DNA accumulation. The amino-terminal domain of MX2 binds the viral capsid and is essential for inhibition. Using in vitro assembled Capsid-Nucleocapsid (CANC) complexes as a surrogate for the HIV-1 capsid lattice, we reveal that the GTPase (G) domain of MX2 contains a second, independent capsid-binding site. The importance of this interaction was addressed in competition assays using the naturally occurring non-antiviral short isoform of MX2 that lacks the amino-terminal 25 amino acids. Specifically, these experiments show that the G domain enhances MX2 function, and the foreshortened isoform acts as a functional suppressor of the full-length protein in a G-domain-dependent manner. The interaction of MX2 with its HIV-1 capsid substrate is therefore multi-faceted: there are dual points of contact that, together with protein oligomerization, contribute to the complexity of MX2 regulation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1923-1933.e3
JournalCell Reports
Volume29
Issue number7
Early online date12 Nov 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12 Nov 2019

Keywords

  • GTPase domain
  • HIV-1
  • MX2
  • antiviral activity
  • capsid
  • protein isoform

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The GTPase Domain of MX2 Interacts with the HIV-1 Capsid, Enabling Its Short Isoform to Moderate Antiviral Restriction'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this