Formation of the tRNALys packaging complex in HIV-1

Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) uses a host cell tRNALys,3 molecule to prime reverse transcription of the viral RNA genome into double-stranded DNA prior to integration into the host genome. All three human tRNALys isoacceptors along with human lysyl-tRNA synthetase (LysRS) are selectively packaged into HIV-1. Packaging of LysRS requires the viral Gag polyprotein and incorporation of tRNALys additionally requires the Gag-Pol precursor. A model that incorporates the known interactions between components of the putative packaging complex is presented. The molecular interactions that direct assembly of the tRNALys/LysRS packaging complex hold promise for the development of new anti-viral agents.