Speaker: Peijun Zhang, Welcome Trust Investigator, Welcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Director, Electron bio-imaging Centre (eBIC), Diamond Light Source

Time: 13:00-14:30 p.m., Dec 12, 2024, GMT+8

Venue: Rm. 101, Jin-Guang Life Science Building, PKU 

Abstract: 

Retroviruses, including human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1), contain capsids that encapsulate the viral RNA genome, enzymes, and accessory proteins. The capsid assembly, maturation, and stabilization are essential steps in the viral replication cycle. Additionally, the capsid surface serves as a key interface for interactions between the virus and the host cell, mediating contacts with both host defense proteins and viral dependency factors.
The capsid has become a central target in antiviral drug development, as exemplified by the recent, long-acting capsid-targeting drug lenacapavir. This presentation will cover HIV-1 capsid assembly and its interactions with host factors, including IP6 and cyclophilin A, highlighting novel interactions that are critical for these host factors to stabilize the HIV-1 capsid. Furthermore, our recent in situ studies on the nuclear import of intact HIV-1 capsids and the architecture of native chromatin fibers in T-cells will be discussed.

Source: Center for Life Sciences, PKU