Molecular Biophysics
Structural Basis of Clade-specific Engagement of SAMHD1 (Sterile α Motif and Histidine/Aspartate-containing Protein 1) Restriction Factors by Lentiviral Viral Protein X (Vpx) Virulence Factors
Background Lentiviral Vpx binding to primate SAMHD1 is under positive selection. Results Different Vpx protein variants interact with the N-terminal domain or the C-terminal tail of SAMHD1 in ubiquitin-ligase-substrate receptor complexes in a unique fashion. Conclusion Vpx antagonizes SAMHD1 by recruiting it via two separate regions for proteasomal degradation. Significance Our findings shed light on how lentivirus virulence factors intersect with host innate immunity.
