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Acta Cryst. (2014). A70, C118
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The human APOBEC3 family of DNA cytosine deaminases serves as a front-line intrinsic immune response to inhibit the replication of diverse retroviruses. APOBEC3F and APOBEC3G are the most potent factors against HIV-1. As a countermeasure, HIV-1 viral infectivity factor (Vif) targets APOBEC3s for proteasomal degradation. Here, we report the crystal structure of the Vif-binding domain in APOBEC3F and a novel assay to assess Vif-APOBEC3 binding. Our results reveal a conserved, amphipathic surface in APOBEC3s that is critical for Vif binding. APOBEC3F-Vif interaction is likely mediated via electrostatic interactions. Moreover, structure-guided mutagenesis reveals a straight ssDNA-binding groove in APOBEC3F, and an `aromatic switch' is proposed to explain the different DNA substrate specificities across the APOBEC3 family. This study opens new lines of inquiry that will further our understanding of APOBEC3-mediated retroviral restriction and provides an accurate template for structure-guided development of inhibitors targeting the APOBEC3-Vif axis.
Keywords: APOBEC3F; HIV-1; Vif.

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