HIV-1 Engages a Dynein-Dynactin-BICD2 Complex for Infection and Transport to the Nucleus

Abstract

During HIV-1 infection, the virus must travel across the cytoplasm to enter the nucleus. The host cell motor protein complex dynein has been implicated in HIV-1 intracellular transport. We show that expression of the dynein heavy chain, components of the dynein-associated dynactin complex, and the dynein adaptor BICD2 in target cells are important for HIV-1 infection and nuclear entry. BICD2 interacts with the HIV-1 capsid in vitro , suggesting that it functions as a capsid-specific adaptor for HIV-1 intracellular transport. Our work identifies specific host proteins involved in microtubule-dependent HIV-1 intracellular transport and highlights the BICD2-capsid interaction as a potential target for antiviral therapy.