Multimeric capsid coat uncoated viral complex Encapsidated viral core Disassembly of viral capsid Authored: Iordanskiy, S, Bukrinsky, M, 2006-04-03 16:17:37 Edited: Gopinathrao, G, 2006-02-17 18:35:46 Pubmed10881997 Pubmed11264352 Pubmed11423440 Pubmed16292356 Reactome Database ID Release 43173111 Reactome, http://www.reactome.org ReactomeREACT_9038 Reviewed: Aiken, C, 2006-10-30 22:04:39 The HIV capsid protein (p24) surrounds the viral genome and associated proteins to make up the viral core. Dissolution of the viral capsid allows for release of the viral RNA and other proteins such as Vpr into the cytoplasm, which will subsequently form the Reverse Transcription Complex. Dissolution of capsid proteins may be caused by interaction with cellular proteins, e.g. TRIM5, or may occur in a similar fashion to that of matrix dissolution; as a reaction to a change in pH. Indeed, studies observing capsid assembly and conformation show that this protein-protein interaction is heavily influenced by even small changes in pH (pH7.0 to 6.8).