Functions of the HIV-1 Nef protein.

The Nef protein of the human immunodeficiency virus is as important for disease progression as it is perplexing in its number of target molecules and functions. In this chapter I will try to give an overview on the numerous functions of HIV from a molecular as well as functional point of view. Due to space restriction and for the sake of clarity I will not describe or list all the effects reported in the literature but rather concentrate on the most important aspects of Nef function.