HIV-1 p31 Integrase
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a retrovirus responsible for causing AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). One of the critical enzymes involved in the replication of HIV-1 is integrase, which facilitates the integration of viral DNA into the host cell genome. The p31 integrase is a specific form of this enzyme, and recombinant versions of it are used extensively in research and diagnostic applications.
HIV-1 integrase is a 32 kDa protein that plays a pivotal role in the viral life cycle. It is responsible for two critical reactions:
- 3’-Processing: This involves the cleavage of a dinucleotide from each 3’ end of the viral DNA, creating reactive ends.
- Strand Transfer: This reaction inserts the processed viral DNA into the host cell DNA, a process essential for viral replication .
The recombinant form of HIV-1 p31 integrase is typically produced in E. coli and is a non-glycosylated polypeptide chain. It contains the immunodominant regions from the p31 protein (integrase) spanning amino acids 9-289, often fused with a GST tag at the N-terminus for ease of purification and detection .
Recombinant HIV-1 p31 integrase is widely used in various applications:
- Research: It is used to study the mechanisms of viral integration and to screen for potential inhibitors of integrase, which could serve as antiretroviral drugs .
- Diagnostics: The recombinant protein is used in ELISA and Western blot assays to detect antibodies against HIV-1 in patient sera, aiding in the early detection of HIV seroconversion .
The study of HIV-1 integrase, particularly the p31 form, is crucial for understanding the viral replication process and developing new therapeutic strategies. Integrase inhibitors, such as raltegravir, have been developed to target this enzyme, and ongoing research aims to improve these treatments and overcome resistance .
