Hiv env proteins: Difference between revisions
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== Env Structure == | == Env Structure == | ||
The viral Env protein, as mentioned above, is composed of gp120 and gp41 that forms trimers on the viral membrane surface. [[Image: | The viral Env protein, as mentioned above, is composed of gp120 and gp41 that forms trimers on the viral membrane surface. [[Image:Trimeric_gp_spike_on_HIV1.png|thumb|left|<ref name=Nick>PMID: 18668044 </ref>]] The image to the right, displays the undecorated Env trimer. Within the gp120 monomeric proteins are variable loops that undergo conformational changes that support binding or restrict binding of receptors such as CD4 or antibodies. Two important loops in this regard are the V1/V2 loops. The V1/V2 loops are located at the apex of the structure in the center of the three monomeric gp120 proteins. Depending on the gp120 conformation changes, the three gp41 transmembrane proteins, located beneath the gp120 surface proteins (located by the white arrow in F2.b), will undergo "irreversible refolding," bringing the viral membrane and host cell membrane closer together, consequently inducing fusion <ref name=Guan>PMID: 21076402 </ref>. | ||
