Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin have discovered how a small molecule is the key to HIV forming capsules. The finding could lead to new ways to prevent or treat HIV infection.

The researchers found that a small molecule called inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) plays a critical role in the formation of HIV capsids. Capsids are protein shells that enclose the HIV genome and protect it from the immune system. Without capsids, HIV cannot infect cells.

The researchers found that IP6 binds to a protein called Gag, which is essential for the formation of capsids. When IP6 binds to Gag, it changes the shape of the protein and allows it to assemble into capsids.

The researchers also found that IP6 levels are higher in the cells of people with HIV than in the cells of people without HIV. This suggests that IP6 may play a role in the pathogenesis of HIV infection.

The researchers believe that their findings could lead to new ways to prevent or treat HIV infection. For example, it may be possible to develop drugs that block the interaction between IP6 and Gag, which would prevent the formation of capsids and prevent HIV from infecting cells.

The researchers' findings were published in the journal Nature Structural & Molecular Biology.