Late Phase of HIV Type 1 Replication Essay

The Late Phase of HIV type 1 replication involves the assembly of Gag proteins with the plasma membrane of hematopoietic cells. The binding is enhanced by the matrix domain of Gag. The matrix domain is also involved in cleaving Gag into the matrix, capsid, and nucleoplasm particles. The assembly of Gag proteins and plasma membrane takes place at lipid rafts to form immature virions. However, Phosphotidylinoistol 4,5-biphosphate has been found to carry out the same role played by matrix. Pl(4,5)Pz can trigger myristyl switch. In addition to it enhancing membrane anchoring, it also plays a crucial role in suggesting appropriate ways for Gag to membrane rafts.