The unknown protein functioned by removing repression of regulatory sequences and was named Art (anti-repression transactivator).

The arginine-rich motif (ARM) is located between amino acids 38–49 of the rev gene[6] and forms an alpha-helical secondary structure.

[7] The ARM is a highly specific sequence which allows for the multimerization of Rev proteins, prior to RNA binding.

[9] The alpha-helical secondary structure specifically can be considered a helix-loop-helix motif, which allows the REV protein to stably bind to the RRE RNA to form the ribonucleoprotein complex.

[14] Binding of Rev to viral RNAs containing the RRE allows for mRNA export out of the nucleus and into the cytoplasm by a mechanism different than that of cellular mRNAs.

However, Rev is needed to export incompletely spliced mRNAs in order to produce the viral structural proteins.

[citation needed] The rev response element (RRE) is a 240 base-pair sequence located in the second intron of the HIV-1 genome, immediately downstream of the env gene.

Within this purine-rich stem-loop, IIB, are non-canonical base pairs that form as a result of the mRNA stem loop-secondary structure.

Upon disassembly, Rev's NES forms a new complex with CRM1 (exportin-1) and Ran-GTP at the RRE sequence within incompletely spliced transcripts.

Rev-mediated export from the nucleus increases cytoplasmic levels of the structural mRNAs (gag, pol, and env).

Since Rev is continuously shuttled between the nucleus and cytoplasm, small amounts of the protein are able to impact many mRNA transcripts.

Maintenance of the proper balance between early and late viral gene quantities leads to an overall increase in virion production.

[citation needed] Leptomycin B (LMB) binds to CRM1 which prevents the formation of the complex required for export(CRM1/NES/RanGTP/RRE) and ultimately reduces the production of incompletely spliced RNAs.

Neomycin B, diphenylfuran cation, and proflavine are small molecules that can prevent Rev from binding to the RRE sequence.

[34][35][36] If Rev is incapable of binding to the RRE on the pre-mRNA, the RNA will not be exported to the cytoplasm, also resulting in lack of necessary structural proteins.