Structural mechanisms of HIV-1 inhibition by host cell factors using cryoEM

Infections by retroviruses, such as HIV-1, critically depend on the viral capsid. Many host cell defence proteins, including restriction factors Trim5α, TrimCyp and MxB, target the viral capsid at the early stages of infection and potently inhibit virus replication. These restriction factors appear to function through a remarkable capsid pattern sensing ability that specifically recognizes the assembled capsid, but not the individual capsid protein. Using cutting-edage cryoEM technologies, we aim to determine the molecular interactions between the viral capsid and host restriction factors that underpin their capsid pattern-sensing capability and ability to inhibit HIV-1 replication. Specifically, we will combine cryoEM and cryoET with all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to obtain high-resolution structures, together with mutational and functional analysis, as well as correlative light and cryoEM imaging of viral infection process, to reveal the essential mechanism for HIV-1 capsid recognition and inhibition of HIV-1 infection. Information derived from our studies will allow to design more robust therapeutic agents to block HIV-1 replication.