The matrix domain targets Gag, Gag-Pro and Gag-Pro-Pol polyproteins to the plasma membrane via a multipartite membrane binding signal, that includes its myristoylated N-terminus. Matrix protein. Forms the spherical core of the virus that encapsulates the genomic RNA-nucleocapsid complex. Binds strongly to viral nucleic acids and promote their aggregation. Also destabilizes the nucleic acids duplexes via highly structured zinc-binding motifs. The aspartyl protease mediates proteolytic cleavages of Gag and Gag-Pol polyproteins during or shortly after the release of the virion from the plasma membrane. Cleavages take place as an ordered, step-wise cascade to yield mature proteins. This process is called maturation. Displays maximal activity during the budding process just prior to particle release from the cell. Homodimer; the homodimers are part of the immature particles. Interacts with human TSG101 and NEDD4; these interactions are essential for budding and release of viral particles. Homodimer; further assembles as homohexamers. Gag polyprotein: Late-budding domains (L domains) are short sequence motifs essential for viral particle release. They can occur individually or in close proximity within structural proteins. They interacts with sorting cellular proteins of the multivesicular body (MVB) pathway. Most of these proteins are class E vacuolar protein sorting factors belonging to ESCRT-I, ESCRT-II or ESCRT-III complexes. Matrix protein p15 contains one L domain: a PPXY motif which binds to the WW domains of the ubiquitin ligase NEDD4. Specific enzymatic cleavages by the viral protease yield mature proteins. The polyprotein is cleaved during and after budding, this process is termed maturation. The protease is autoproteolytically processed at its N- and C-termini. Gag polyprotein: Myristoylated. Myristoylation of the matrix (MA) domain mediates the transport and binding of Gag polyproteins to the host plasma membrane and is required for the assembly of viral particles. Produced by -1 ribosomal frameshifting between gag-pro.