HIV-1 Nef interferes with host cell motility by deregulation of Cofilin

Cell Host Microbe. 2009 Aug 20;6(2):174-86. doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2009.06.004.

Abstract

HIV-1 Nef is a key factor in AIDS pathogenesis. Here, we report that Nef potently inhibits motility of fibroblasts and chemotaxis of HIV-1-infected primary human T lymphocytes toward the chemokines SDF-1alpha, CCL-19, and CCL-21 ex vivo. Furthermore, Nef inhibits guided motility of zebrafish primordial germ cells toward endogenous SDF-1a in vivo. These migration defects result from Nef-mediated inhibition of the actin remodeling normally triggered by migratory stimuli. Nef strongly induces phosphorylation of cofilin, inactivating this evolutionarily conserved actin-depolymerizing factor that promotes cell motility when unphosphorylated. Nef-dependent cofilin deregulation requires association of Nef with the cellular kinase Pak2. Disruption of Nef-Pak2 association restores the cofilin phosphorylation levels and actin remodeling that facilitate cell motility. We conclude that HIV-1 Nef alters Pak2 function, which directly or indirectly inactivates cofilin, thereby restricting migration of infected T lymphocytes as part of a strategy to optimize immune evasion and HIV-1 replication.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actin Depolymerizing Factors / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Movement*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Fibroblasts / virology
  • HIV-1 / pathogenicity*
  • Humans
  • T-Lymphocytes / virology
  • Virulence Factors / physiology*
  • nef Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / physiology*
  • p21-Activated Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • Actin Depolymerizing Factors
  • Virulence Factors
  • nef Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
  • nef protein, Human immunodeficiency virus 1
  • PAK2 protein, human
  • p21-Activated Kinases