Introduction
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type of virus known as a retrovirus. It weakens the immune system, making individuals vulnerable to infections that wouldn't typically pose a threat. HIV specifically targets crucial immune cells, including helper T cells (particularly CD4+ T cells), macrophages, and dendritic cells. These CD4+ T cells are vital for a robust immune response. HIV diminishes their numbers through: 1) direct destruction of infected cells, 2) increased programmed cell death (apoptosis) in infected cells, and 3) elimination of infected CD4+ T cells by other immune cells (CD8 cytotoxic lymphocytes). When CD4+ T cell counts plummet below a critical threshold, the body's ability to fight off infections is severely compromised. HIV is classified as a lentivirus, belonging to the retroviridae family. Lentiviruses share common characteristics in terms of their structure and behavior, typically causing long-lasting illnesses with extended periods before symptoms emerge. These viruses are enveloped and contain single-stranded RNA as their genetic material. Upon infecting a cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase converts the viral RNA into DNA, which then integrates into the host cell's DNA, allowing the virus to replicate. Once inside a cell, HIV can remain dormant or actively produce new viral particles to infect other cells.
Description
This recombinant protein, derived from E. coli and weighing 20kDa, represents genotype IIIB of the HIV-1 nef protein. It is a non-glycosylated polypeptide chain encompassing amino acids 3-190, representing the immunodominant regions of HIV-1 nef. The protein is expressed with a beta-galactosidase tag (114 kDa) fused to its N-terminus.
Physical Appearance
A clear and colorless solution that has been sterilized by filtration.
Formulation
The HIV-1 nef protein is supplied in a solution containing 8M urea, 20mM Tris-HCl at a pH of 8.0, and 10mM b-mercaptoethanol.
Purity
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and SDS-PAGE analyses indicate a purity exceeding 95.0%.
Stability
For optimal stability, store HIV-1 nef below -18°C. While it can remain stable at 4°C for up to one week, repeated freezing and thawing cycles should be avoided.
Amino Acid Sequence
kwskssv igwptvrerm rraepaadgv gaasqdlekh gaitssntaa tnadcawlea
qeeeevgfpv tpqvplrpmt ykaavdlshf lkekgglegl ihsqrrqdil dlwiyhtqgy
fpdwqnytpg pgirypltfg wcyklvpvep ekleeankge ntsllhpvsl hgmddperev
lewrfdsrla.