HIV Protein Integrase (IMAGE)

KU Leuven

HIV Protein Integrase

Caption

The HIV protein integrase (blue) can insert viral DNA (red) at different locations in the DNA of its human host (orange). But how the virus selects its insertion points has puzzled virologists for over 20 years. Now a team of KU Leuven researchers have discovered that the answer lies in two -- of the more than 200 -- amino acids that make up integrase's structure.

Credit

Jonas Demeulemeester

Usage Restrictions

None

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.