Nucleotide embargo by SAMHD1: A strategy to block retroviral infection

SAMHD1 (sterile alpha motif and histidine/aspartic acid (HD) domain-containing protein 1) has been identified as a novel HIV-1 restriction factor in myeloid cells and resting CD4+ T lymphocytes. SAMHD1 restriction is antagonized by the lentiviral protein Vpx. Here, we comment on the latest knowledge of SAMHD1 biology, focusing on how it regulates the pool of intracellular nucleotides to control HIV replication. We discuss how HIV restriction by SAMHDI and viral counter-restriction mechanisms may suggest new strategies for therapeutic intervention. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.