Progress in the study of HIV-1 Vif and related inhibitors

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) viral infectivity factor (Vif), one of the accessory proteins, which is a small basic phosphoprotein, is essential for viral replication and pathogenesis.  The best well-characterized function of Vif is its ability to neutralize the host cell antiviral factor, apolipoprotein B  mRNA editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide like 3G (APOBEC3G), which makes the viral particles more infective.  In addition, Vif can regulate the reverse transcription and the advanced stage of replication of the virus particle, as well as induce the termination of cell cycle at G₂ stage and so on.  The designed drug aimed directly at    Vif can efficiently block the maturation and infectivity of HIV-1.  In this review, the structure, function and   especially the related inhibitors of Vif are reviewed.