Although the mechanisms behind HIV-1 entry have been extensively studied since the discovery of this virus forty years ago, new technological approaches may provide additional insights into this highly dynamic process. Using live-cell imaging, Lucile Espert’s group (Beaumelle team) discovered that the LC3B protein is enriched at the plasma membrane of target cells after exposure to HIV-1, particularly in the vicinity of viral entry sites. In particular, lipid conjugation of this protein, a process recently termed “Atg8ylation”, promotes the HIV-1 entry step independently of the canonical autophagy process.
LC3B conjugation machinery promotes autophagy-independent HIV-1 entry in CD4+ T lymphocytes. Pradel B, Cantaloube G, Villares M, Deffieu MS, Robert-Hebmann V, Lucansky V, Faure M, Chazal N, Gaudin R, Espert L. Autophagy.
2024 Apr 7:1-12. doi: 10.1080/15548627.2024.2338573. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38566318.
