Intraprotomer masking of third variable loop (V3) epitopes by the first and second variable loops (V1V2) within the native HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein trimer.

ABSTRACT: Within the trimeric HIV-1 envelope (Env) spike, the first and second variable loops (V1V2 region) and the third variable loop (V3) of the gp120 subunit play dual roles in antibody recognition, because they contain neutralization epitopes and also participate in epitope masking. The spatial relationships between V1V2 and V3 and the associated mechanisms of epitope masking remain unclear. Here we investigated interactions between these domains using two monoclonal antibodies recognizing distinct conserved linear epitopes that are subject to masking in the functional trimer, which limits their neutralizing activities. Using Env pseudotype virus infection assays, we found that deleting the V1V2 region greatly enhanced neutralization by both antibodies, leading us to consider two alternative mo

SUBMITTER: Liu L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3250183 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature