HIV-1 Assembly at the Plasma Membrane: Gag Trafficking and Localization.

Virus particle formation of HIV-1 is a multi-step process driven by a viral structural protein Gag. This process takes place at the plasma membrane in most cell types. However, the pathway that directs Gag to the plasma membrane has recently come under intense scrutiny because of its importance in production of progeny virions as well as virus transmission at cell-cell contacts. This review highlights recent advances in our current understanding of mechanisms that traffic and localize Gag to the plasma membrane. In addition, findings on Gag association with specific plasma membrane domains are discussed in light of potential roles in cell-to-cell transmission.