miR-132 enhances HIV-1 replication

MicroRNAs upregulated during CD4+ T cell activation may contribute to the increased efficiency of HIV-1 replication seen following perturbation of the resting state. We have found miR-132 to be highly upregulated following CD4+ T cell activation, and show that miR-132 potentiates viral replication in the Jurkat CD4+ T cell line. Knockdown of MeCP2, a previously identified target of miR-132, also increases HIV-1 replication. To the best of our knowledge, miR-132 is the first miRNA reported to enhance HIV-1 replication.

► We found that miR-132 is highly upregulated upon CD4+ T cell activation. ► miR-132 potentiates HIV-1 replication in Jurkat cells. ► This is the first identification of a miRNA that enhances HIV-1 replication.