Vpr Targets TET2 for Degradation by CRL4VprBP E3 Ligase to Sustain IL-6 Expression and Enhance HIV-1 Replication (Molecular Cell)

HIV-1 Vpr protein counteracts host anti-viral restriction factors to facilitate viral replication and disease progression. Lv et al. demonstrate that Vpr promotes degradation of TET DNA dioxygenases. TET2 deletion or depletion enhances HIV-1 replication and sustains pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6, while blocking IL-6 reduces Vpr`s ability to enhance HIV-1 replication.