Viroporin potential of the lentivirus lytic peptide (LLP) domains of the HIV-1 gp41 protein.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mechanisms by which HIV-1 mediates reductions in CD4+ cell levels in infected persons are being intensely investigated, and have broad implications for AIDS drug and vaccine development. Virally induced changes in membrane ionic permeability induced by lytic viruses of many families contribute to cytopathogenesis. HIV-1 induces disturbances in plasma membrane ion transport. The carboxyl terminus of TM (gp41) contains potential amphipathic alpha-helical motifs identified through their structural similarities to naturally occurring cytolytic peptides. These sequences have been dubbed lentiviral lytic peptides (LLP) -1, -2, and -3.

Results

Peptides corresponding to the LLP domains (from a clade B virus) partition into lipid membranes, fold into alpha-helices and disr

SUBMITTER: Costin JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2211469 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature