Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a new mechanism by which HIV hijacks cells. The study, published in *Science Advances* on June 18, 2025, reveals that HIV directly binds to the dynein motor protein, allowing the virus to exploit the cell's microtubule transport system. This finding overturns previous beliefs about how HIV replicates.
How HIV Hijacks Cells
The study showed that HIV attaches directly to dynein, bypassing the need for an adaptor protein. The virus then travels along microtubules to the nucleus to integrate its genetic material. This direct binding allows HIV to efficiently utilize the cell's internal transport network.
Implications for HIV Research
Researchers found that HIV uses multiple dynein cargo adaptors, increasing its ability to infect various cell types. This research provides new insights into HIV infection and could lead to new drug targets. The discovery of this direct binding mechanism opens new avenues for developing treatments that disrupt the viral hijacking process.