TAT protein

The TAT protein, or Tat protein, is a small protein produced by the HIV virus, which causes AIDS. Its main role is to help the virus produce more copies of itself by enhancing the activity of the virus’s genetic material inside infected cells. Essentially, Tat acts like a promoter, boosting the virus's ability to replicate quickly. Scientists study Tat to better understand HIV and develop treatments that can block its function, potentially stopping the virus from spreading and helping to manage or cure HIV infection.