Compatibility of Vpu-like activity in the four groups of primate immunodeficiency viruses

Env-minus mutants of the viruses of major four human and simian immunodefic iency viruses (HIVs and SIVs) were monitored for their progeny virion produ ction upon transfection into the cells, which are dependent on the HIV-1 Vp u for efficient particle release. Of the env mutants of HIV-1 (one mutant), HIV-2/SIVmac (three mutants), SIVagm (one mutant), and SIVmnd (one mutant) examined, the mutant of SIVmnd generated a very low level of progeny virio ns similar to that by the HIV-1 Vpu-minus mutant. This effect of the mutati on was not observed in the cells which are independent on the Vpu for virio n release. The Env of SIVmnd efficiently enhanced virion release of heterol ogous viruses like the HIV-1 Vpu.