Antisense Transcripts and Antisense Protein: A New Perspective on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

It was first predicted in 1988 that there may be an Open Reading Frame (ORF) on the negative strand of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) genome could encode a protein named AntiSense Protein (ASP). In spite some controversy, reports began to emerge years later describing detection HIV-1 antisense transcripts, presence ASP transfected and infected cells, existence immune response targeting ASP. Recently, it established asp gene is exclusively conserved within pandemic group M HIV-1. this review, we summarize latest findings transcripts ASP, discuss their potential functions infection together with role played by ASPs other viruses. Finally, suggest pathways raised study warrant exploration future.