Quantitative Multicolor Super-Resolution Microscopy Reveals Tetherin HIV-1 Interaction

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002456
• Publication Date: 2011-12-15T21:55:06Z
• Authors: Martin Lehmann; Susana Rocha; Bastien Mangeat; Fabien Blanchet; Hiroshi Uji-i; Johan Hofkens; Vincent Piguet
• Keywords: Tetherin

Virus assembly and interaction with host-cell proteins occur at length scales below the diffraction limit of visible light. Novel super-resolution microscopy techniques achieve nanometer resolution fluorescently labeled molecules. The cellular restriction factor tetherin (also known as CD317, BST-2 or HM1.24) inhibits release human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) through direct incorporation into viral membranes is counteracted by HIV-1 protein Vpu. For analysis interactions, we established fluorescence labeling that preserved particle formation Vpu-dependent restriction, respectively. Multicolor revealed important structural features individual virions, sites their plasma membrane. Tetherin localization to micro-domains was dependent on both membrane anchors. clusters containing average 4 7 dimers were visualized sites. Combined biochemical extended incorporate N-termini assembling particles restrict release. Neither domains nor showed enrichment raft marker GM1. Together, our interactions provides new insights mechanism tetherin-mediated paves way for future studies virus-host interactions.