Journal Article

DZNE-2026-00266

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png HIV-1 Vpr is targeted for degradation by autophagy.

Chen, Y. ; Klute, S.Extern* ; Bansal, A. ; Sparrer, K. M. J.DZNE* ; Serra-Moreno, R.

2026
PLoS Lawrence, Kan.

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1014020

Abstract: Autophagy is part of the innate immune arsenal to fight viruses, including HIV-1. We previously reported that HIV-1 Gag is targeted for autophagy-mediated degradation. Here, we identify HIV-1 Vpr, an important virulence factor, as an autophagy target in HIV-1 NL4-3, a lab adapted molecular clone. Notably, Vpr proteins from a collection of transmitted/founder viruses (TFVs) were resistant to autophagy. Based on this observation, we identified residues at positions 37, 45, 77, 83-86, 93-94 in NL4-3 Vpr as responsible for its susceptibility to autophagy. Importantly, differences between NL4-3 and TFV Vpr proteins at these positions impact their interaction with the autophagy receptors NDP52, SQSTM1/p62 and TAX1BP1. By engineering NL4-3 molecular clones harboring either autophagy-sensitive or -resistant vpr, we found that in 2D and 3D in vitro systems virus spread was significantly reduced for the virus carrying autophagy-sensitive Vpr. In conclusion, our study identifies Vpr as a novel autophagy target and suggests that Vpr susceptibility to autophagy impacts HIV-1 spread.

Keyword(s): Autophagy: physiology (MeSH) ; Humans (MeSH) ; vpr Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus: metabolism (MeSH) ; vpr Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus: genetics (MeSH) ; HIV-1: metabolism (MeSH) ; HIV-1: genetics (MeSH) ; HIV-1: pathogenicity (MeSH) ; HIV Infections: metabolism (MeSH) ; HIV Infections: virology (MeSH) ; HIV Infections: immunology (MeSH) ; HEK293 Cells (MeSH) ; Proteolysis (MeSH) ; vpr Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus ; vpr protein, Human immunodeficiency virus 1

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Neurovirology and Neuroinflammation (AG Sparrer)

Research Program(s):

1. 351 - Brain Function (POF4-351) (POF4-351)

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Database coverage:
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