Expression of Concern: Evidence that Vpu Modulates HIV-1 Gag-Envelope Interaction towards Envelope Incorporation and Infectivity in a Cell Type Dependent Manner
Abstract
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Taxonomy
TopicsHIV Research and Treatment · Mosquito-borne diseases and control · HIV/AIDS drug development and treatment
After this article [1] was published, concerns were raised about results presented in Figs 1–4, 6 and 8. Specifically:
In response to queries about the experiments in Fig 2A and 2C, the corresponding author stated that the 293T panel in Fig 2A and the Cell-free viral lysate 293T Gagp24 panel in Fig 2C are intentionally the same and present the same results. The corresponding author also acknowledged that they inadvertently duplicated the Gag p24 blot of NP2 in Fig 2C under GHOST in Fig 2A. A corrected version of Fig 2 is provided here where the GHOST panel in Fig 2A has been replaced. The underlying blot for the Fig 2A GHOST panel and the Fig 2C Cell-free viral lysate NP2 Gagp24 panel is in S1 File. The underlying blot for the Fig 2A 293T panel and the Fig 2C Cell-free viral lysate 293T Gagp24 is no longer available. The PLOS ONE Editors consider the similarity between the published Fig 2A GHOST panel and the Fig 2C Cell-free viral lysate NP2 Gagp24 panel resolved, and consider the similarity between the Fig 2A 293T panel and the Fig 2C Cell-free viral lysate 293T Gagp24 panel unresolved.
In response to queries about the experiments in Fig 4B, the corresponding author stated that at 0 days, TZM-bl indicator cells are expected to be similar as they are the same cell type and no infection was observed. A corrected version of Fig 4 is provided here where the WT, ΔVpu and L30E 0 day panels have been replaced. The underlying images for Fig 4B are in S1–S3 Files. The PLOS ONE Editors consider the above concerns about results presented in Fig 4B resolved.
In response to queries about the experiments in Fig 6B and 6E, the corresponding author stated that due to a large number of samples, some were run separately in different gels at different times but the data was shown together. An updated version of Fig 6 is provided here where splice lines between lanes 2 and 3 in the right panels in Fig 6B and 6E are denoted with vertical black lines. The underlying blots for the right panels in Fig 6B and lanes 1–2 of the right panels in Fig 6E are in S1 File. The underlying blot for lanes 3–4 of the right panels in Fig 6E are no longer available. The PLOS ONE Editors consider the above concerns about results presented in Fig 6B resolved, and the above concerns about results presented in Fig 6E unresolved.
Individual-level data and original uncropped image files for some charts and panels in Figs 1–4, 6 and 8 are provided here in S1 File. These uncropped images resolve the above concerns about the backgrounds in Fig 1B but do not resolve the above concern about the background in the Cell Lysate HeLa panel in Fig 2C. The corresponding author stated that the remainder of the data underlying this article [1] are no longer available.
In light of the unresolved concerns in Figs 2–3, 6 and 8, the extent of image issues in this article, and the unavailability of some original underlying data for the figures of concern, the PLOS ONE Editors issue this Expression of Concern.
Supporting information
S1 FileIndividual-level data for the charts in Figs 3A–3B, 4A and 4C and 8C, some underlying images from the time of the original experiments supporting Figs 1B, 2A, 2C, 4B, 6B, 6E and 8B, and underlying replicate blots from later repeat experiments for Fig 8B.(ZIP)
S2 FileUnderlying original image for the WT 12 day panel in Fig 4B.(JPG)
S3 FileUnderlying original image for the L30E ΔVpu 12 day panel in Fig 4B.(JPG)
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