HIV protein switch may help virus squeeze into host cell nucleus

Supercomputer simulations have revealed how changes in the shape of the HIV-1 capsid protein may help the virus squeeze its inner core into the host cell’s nuclear membrane. The findings, by a University of Pittsburgh team using the Bridges-2 system at the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center, suggest how the capsid may deform to fit through the nuclear pores, revealing a potential target for future AIDS therapies.