HIV gp41 is a metastable protein whose native conformation is maintained in the form of a heterodimer with gp120. The non-covalently associated gp41/gp120 complex forms a trimer on the virus surface. As gp120 engages wit...
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), the pathogen of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), causes similar to 2 millions death every year and still defies an effective vaccine. HIV-1 infects host cells throug...
The fusogenic function of HIV-1 gp41 transmembrane Env subunit relies on two different kinds of structural elements: i) a collapsible ectodomain structure (the hairpin or six-helix bundle) that opens and closes, and ii) ...
HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) spikes are supported at the viral membrane interface by a highly conserved and hydrophobic region of gp41, designated the membrane-proximal external region (MPER). The MPER is mandatory ...
Small molecule inhibition of HIV fusion has been an elusive goal, despite years of effort by both pharmaceutical and academic laboratories. In this review, we will discuss the amphipathic properties of both peptide and s...