Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) Vpr induced downregulation of NHE1 induces alteration in intracellular pH and loss of ERM complex in target cells

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Vpr is known to dysregulate host cellular functions through its interaction with cellular proteins. Using a protein array we assessed Vpr-mediated differential regulation of host cellular proteins expression. Results demonstrated that Vpr differentially regulated host factors that are involved in functions, such as cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. One of the most highly downregulated proteins attained was the sodium hydrogen exchanger, isoform 1 (NHE1), which showed a significant (60%) decrease in HIV-1 Vpr(+) virus infected cells as compared to HIV-1 Vpr(−) virus infected control. NHE1 downregulation further led to acidification of cells and was directly correlated with loss of ezrin, radixin and moesin (ERM) protein complex and decreased AKT phosphorylation. Vpr-mediated NHE1 dyregulation is in part through GR pathway as GR antagonist, mifepristone reversed Vpr-induced NHE1 downregulation.