HIV-1 Vif (viral infectivity factor), supports productive viral replication in non-permissive cells, such as peripheral blood lymphocytes. It functions by inactivating a cellular anti-viral factor named APOBEC3G. Vif binds viral RNA and affects the stability of viral nucleoprotein core. May play a role in viral morphology. Interacts with host ABCE1, which seems to be involved in lentiviruses capsid formation and displays RNase L inhibitor activity. This interaction may play a role in protecting viral RNA from damage during viral assembly.