Genetic diversity of the highly variable V1 region interferes with Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 envelope functionality.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The HIV envelope (Env) promotes viral entry in the host cell. During this process, Env undergoes several conformational changes to ensure its function. At the same time, the gp120 component of Env is the protein of the virus presenting the largest genetic diversity. Understanding how the virus maintains the balance between the competing requirements for maintenance of functionality and antigenic variation of this protein is central for the comprehension of its strategies of evolution and can highlight vulnerable aspects of its replication cycle. We focused on the variable domains V1 and V2 of the HIV-1 gp120 that are involved in conformational changes and are critical for viral escape from antibody neutralization.

Results

Despite the extensive sequence diversity f

SUBMITTER: Hamoudi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3826872 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature