Mouse Models for Studies of In Vivo Functions of HIV-1 Nef

In vitro studies have demonstrated that HIV-1 Nef has several important activities, promoting viral replication and pathogenesis. These activities include downregulation of cell surface molecules CD4 and major histocompatibility complex class I, enhancement of viral infectivity, activation of p21-activated kinase 2, and inhibition of immunoglobulin class switching. But how important each in vitro activity is to in vivo Nef function remains elusive. To address this question, several small animal models have been developed in the past two decades, such as Nef transgenic mice, SCID-hu mice, and humanized mice. Each of those models has its own pros and cons. Easy access and relative inexpensiveness have made small animal models the favorite models for HIV research. This review will be focused on the recent progress in the understanding of the in vivo functions of HIV-1 Nef obtained from studies using these small animal models.