Dissociation of gp120 from HIV-1 virions induced by soluble CD4
Article Abstract:
The CD4 protein, which is found on cells of the immune system including T lymphocytes and macrophages, is the molecule through which the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) binds to and enters cells. The CD4 molecule has been genetically engineered, and soluble (not associated with the cell) CD4 has been used to block the virus from binding to cells. The gp120 molecule, the major protein on the envelope, or outer coat, of HIV, has been shown to be the molecule which binds to CD4. It has been demonstrated that the binding of soluble CD4 and a portion of the CD4 molecule known as V1 to virus particles causes the dissociation of the gp120 molecule from another protein in the viral envelope gp41. The dissociation of gp120 from gp41 may be the first step in the binding, or fusion, of the virus to the cell and the fusion of infected cells together, which occurs in infection with HIV. This study gives insight into the mechanism of the binding of the HIV to cells and the way that soluble CD4 may prevent the virus from binding to the cells when it is used therapeutically. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1990
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HIV receptors and the pathogenesis of AIDS
Article Abstract:
Although some AIDS researchers have suggested that the study of cell receptors will not add to an understanding of HIV pathogenesis, the study of cell biology, which includes the study of cell receptors, reveals a great deal of information about the population dynamics of pathogenesis.
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1996
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Coreceptors: implications for HIV pathogenesis and therapy
Article Abstract:
Identification of the coreceptor molecules CCR5 and CXCR4 as key molecules in allowing HIV to bind to human cell surfaces is an important step in AIDS research. Implications for the transmission of HIV and the development of a vaccine are discussed.
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1997
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