HIV-1 Vpu Antagonism of Tetherin Inhibits Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxic Responses by Natural Killer Cells

Abstract

The ability of the HIV-1 accessory factor to antagonize tetherin has been considered to primarily function by limiting the spread of virus by preventing the release of cell-free virus. This study supports the hypothesis that a major function of Vpu is to decrease the recognition of infected cells by anti-HIV antibodies at the cell surface, thereby reducing recognition by antibody-dependent clearance by natural killer cells.