Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) ›› 2026, Vol. 52 ›› Issue (3): 854-862.doi: 10.13481/j.1671-587X.20260328

• Review • Previous Articles    

Research progress in impact of post-translational modifications of HIV-1 Tat protein on regulatory mechanisms of HIV-1 transcription and replication

Jiaxiang ZHANG1,Yang CAO2,Chen HUAN1()   

  1. 1.Institute of Virology and AIDS Research,First Hospital,Jilin University,Changchun 130021,China
    2.Department of Hand and Foot Surgery,Third Hospital,Jilin University,Changchun 130033,China
  • Received:2024-12-14 Accepted:2025-01-20 Online:2026-05-28 Published:2026-06-08
  • Contact: Chen HUAN E-mail:lmsxsml@jlu.edu.cn

Abstract:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a kind of virus that attacks the host immune system and causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(AIDS) in infected individuals, which seriously endangers human health. Trans-activator of transcription (Tat), a small non-structural protein encoded by HIV, binds to the trans-activation response element (TAR) of HIV to promote the transcription of viral genome, and this effect is closely related to multiple post-translational modifications of Tat protein. This paper reviewed the different types of post-translational modifications (phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination and methylation) of HIV-1 Tat protein, and summarized the main action sites of related post-translational modifications on Tat protein as well as their regulatory mechanism on HIV-1 transcription and replication. Such modifications not only affect the structure and stability of Tat protein, but also regulate its transcriptional activity and its interaction with host proteins, and ultimately affect viral replication and latency. Therefore, in-depth study on post-translational modifications of Tat protein not only helps to understand the molecular mechanism of HIV infection, but also provides a theoretical basis for the development of novel antiviral therapeutic targets.

Key words: Human immunodeficiency virus, Trans-activator of transcription protein, Trans-activation response element, Immune system, Post-translational modification

CLC Number: 

  • R512.91