Viral protein U (Vpu)-mediated enhancement of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 particle release depends on the rate of cellular proliferation.

Viral protein U (Vpu) is a 17-kDa phosphoprotein that enhances the release of viral particles from human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected cells. This study shows that the effect of Vpu on efficient particle release depends on the rate of cell proliferation. Cells arrested by contact inhibition, chemical arresting agents, or terminal differentiation (i.e., macrophages) all exhibited a striking dependence on Vpu for efficient particle release, as shown by examination of particle production from transfections with full-length clones, infections, and the vaccinia virus expression system. In contrast, actively proliferating cells did not exhibit enhanced particle release with Vpu expression. This study demonstrates the necessity of Vpu for efficient viral particle release from quiescent cells.