Evidence of a role for soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) machinery in HIV-1 assembly and release.

Retrovirus assembly is a complex process that requires the orchestrated participation of viral components and host-cell factors. The concerted movement of different viral proteins to specific sites in the plasma membrane allows for virus particle assembly and ultimately budding and maturation of infectious virions. The soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins constitute the minimal machinery that catalyzes the fusion of intracellular vesicles with the plasma membrane, thus regulating protein trafficking. Using siRNA and dominant negative approaches we demonstrate here that generalized disruption of the host SNARE machinery results in a significant reduction in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and equine infectious anemia virus particle production. Further analysis of the mechanism involved revealed a defect at the level of HIV-1 Gag localization to the plasma membrane. Our findings demonstrate for the first time a role of SNARE proteins in HIV-1 assembly and release, likely by affecting cellular trafficking pathways required for Gag transport and association with the plasma membrane.