The roles of protein kinase C in HIV replication and drugs discovery

Protein kinase C (PKC) belongs to the family of phospholipid-dependent serine/threonine kinase. PKC signaling has been implicated in the development of multiple human diseases including the central nervous system dysfunctions and cardiovascular disorders. It has been demonstrated that PKC can stimulate viral activation through multiple mechanisms and phosphorylate the HIV-1 p17 gag,Nef,Vif and Rev proteins as well. The phosphorylation of these proteins may have significant effects on HIV replication. Members of the PKC family participate at many levels in diverse signal transduction pathways involved in HIV cycles. PKC inhibition may be considered a logical mechanism which inhibits HIV-1 replication. Agents that induce HIV-1 replication could be used in conjunction with HAART to decrease or eliminate the latent reservoirs by forcing viral expression. A better understanding of the role of PKC could in form the search of specific target for new anti-HIV therapies.