Role of Nef in the Pathogenesis of HIV in Doubt

Ever since the discovery by Kestler et al (Cell1991; 65: 651-62) that monkeys infected with SIVlacking Nef did not develop AIDS, suggesting thatNef is critical for the development of the disease,researchers have been investigating this intriguingHIV-1 protein. This proved to be very difficult sincethere is no overt in vitro difference between Nefcontainingand Nef-delated HIV-1.