Tetherin
Tetherin is a membrane-associated protein that may prevent the release of enveloped viruses from their host cellsTetherin is a membrane-associated protein that may prevent the release of enveloped viruses from their host cells
Template:STRUCTURE 2xg7 Tetherin has been shown to prevent the release of HIV-1 virions and may be an effective inhibitor of other enveloped viruses as well such as Lassa and Marburg viruses. Tetherin inhibits the release of virions by binding to viral particles budding from the cell membrane, preventing the release of these infectious particles. The tetherin protein is always found on the surface of B lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and activated T lymphocytes. In brain, kidney, liver, skeletal muscle, pancreas and heart cells, the tetherin gene can be stimulated to be expressed by the production of alpha Interferon, a cytokine.
While tetherin may be an effective inhibitor of some viruses, other viruses have been shown to produce viral proteins that downregulates the production and expression of some cellular proteins, including tetherin. Some strains of HIV-1 as well as Ebola viral particles produce viral proteins shown to downregulation tetherin expression on the surface of the cell membrane.
Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources
3D structures of tetherin3D structures of tetherin
2x7a, 3nwh, 2xg7, 3mqb – hBST2 ectodomain – human
3mq7 - hBST2 ectodomain (mutant)
ReferencesReferences
Sakuma, Noda, Urata, Kawaoka, & Yasuda (2009). Inhibition of Lassa and Marburg Virus Production by Tetherin. Journal of Virology. 83:2382-2385.
Neil, Zang, & Beiniasz (2008). Tetherin inhibits retroviral release and is antagonized by HIV-1 Vpu. Nature. 451: 425-430.