The Human Immunodeficiency Virus tat gene, its Pathogenesis and Treatment Implications

Author(s): Teto Georges, Tagomo Sob Sandra, Dambaya Beatrice, Kamgaing Rachel, Pieme constant Anatole and Alexis Ndjolo

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) viral genome is 9.1 KB in length, containing both genes that code for structural, regulatory and accessory proteins found on viral single-stranded RNA. These different genes encode for specific proteins with specific functions. This is the case of the viral protein Tat, a regulatory protein, encoded by the tat gene (transactivator of transcription) of the HIV-1 viral genome, which is an essential protein for the replication, expression and progression of HIV-1 infection. It is one of the first proteins to be expressed immediately after infection. It can also penetrate into neighboring uninfected cells. It is both active in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus but more present in the nucleus. The tat gene has a length of 14 to 16 kda with two exons coding from 1 to 86 or 101 amino acids depending on the strain or isolate present (exon 1 and exon 2 necessary for its function in vivo). The multiple functions of the tat gene allow it to be a focal point of research for the understanding of the AIDS disease, the relationships and the impacts that this gene has and can develop with other cells in the context of the disease. Until date, it is the focus of several researches linking HIV-1 with other pathologies, as for example, HIV associated neurocognitive disorders, cancer oncogenesis, cardiovascular diseases; or phenomenon like viral latency establishment. The tat gene is also associated to pathologies that are induced or created, following HIV-1 infection worldwide. A literature review is thus important in order to know the current state of work on this gene which is of so much interest in HIV-1 research, including treatment and vaccine design.