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Host cellular membrane molecules associated with human immunodeficiency virus envelope Volume 7, issue 1, Janvier - Février 2003

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Authors
Centre de recherche en infectiologie, Hôpital CHUL, Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Département de biologie médicale, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Sainte-Foy (Québec), 2705, boul. Laurier, Sainte-Foy (QC), Canada G1V 4G2

The envelope of retroviruses, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is constituted of the host cell cytoplasmic lipid bilayer. HIV acquires host-encoded cell membrane proteins within its envelope during the budding process. Recent works focused on this aspect of the HIV biology brings new understandings on this subject. Namely, the nature of the cellular molecules associated with the envelope of HIV are better characterized. Innovative studies aimed at elucidating the precise role(s) played by these virion-associated cellular proteins are steadily increasing. It is reasonable to believe that HIV by carrying host cell molecules on its surface can influence its own ability to bind different target cells, bypass humoral immune system and activate specific intracellular signaling pathways within the target cell. It is thus convincingly evident that this aspect of the HIV replicative cycle can modulate virus biology.