Characterising the susceptibility of human and simian immunodeficiency viruses (HIV and SIV) to the cellular antiviral factor REAF/RPRD2

We have identified a cellular protein REAF/RPRD2 that can block HIV replication, but shown that HIV encodes a protein (Vpr) that overcomes this. The aim of this project is to determine if HIV strains and related viruses like simian immunodefciency virus (SIV) similarly use Vpr to overcome REAF/RPRD2. If all HIV strains and genetically related viruses like SIV use Vpr to combat REAF/RPRD2 this demonstrates that Vpr use is an evolved response by HIV. Confirming this will allow the development of novel antiviral startegies targeting HIV Vpr allowing inhibition of HIV by REAF/RPRD2 to be switched back on in patients.