Cell type-dependence for Vpu function

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Vpu has been shown to facilitate virus release from HeLa cells. We demonstrated that Vpu expression is not required for efficient virus release from Cos 1 and CV-1 cells. A yeast GAL4 transcriptional activation system was used to screen for cellular proteins that may interact with Vpu. One such protein was identified which we provisionally designate "Vpu interactive protein" or VIP.