Despite years of extensive research, there are features of retroviruses that remain poorly understood. An EU-funded study investigated the multifunctionality of the pathogenic factor Nef, known for its role in disease progression.
The protein Nef of primate lentiviruses such as HIV-1 is required to sustain virus replication in the host and retain virus infectivity. In addition, Nef seems to increase viral resistance to neutralising antibodies through a yet unidentified mechanism.
Further details: Insight into retrovirus infectivity