The HIV-1 viral infectivity factor (Vif) binds to Apobec3G leading to the degradation of Apobec3G through a complex containing Cullin 5 and the proteins Elongin B and Elongin C. Since Cullin 5 directly interacts with Vif and is critical to the Apobec3G degradation pathway, the authors asked if genetic variation of CUL5 could tip the balance between HIV-1 and Apobec3G and modify the course of HIV-1 infection. Here, APOBEC3G is linked to HIV-1 infection.