B-cell receptor specific for HIV-1 matrix protein p17 (BCR-p17)

The B-cell receptor specific for HIV-1 matrix protein p17 is a membrane-bound immunoglobulin on B lymphocytes that recognizes epitopes on the p17 protein of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1). The p17 protein, also known as the matrix protein (MA), is a structural component of the Gag polyprotein essential for viral assembly and the incorporation of the envelope glycoprotein into virions (UniProt P04591). Beyond its structural role, p17 is secreted from infected cells and acts as a virokine, mimicking the activity of interleukin-8 (IL-8) to promote inflammation, angiogenesis, and B-cell dysregulation (Fiorentini et al., 2006, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A). These extracellular activities contribute significantly to HIV-1 pathogenesis and the development of HIV-related complications such as lymphomas. Targeting these B-cell receptors through vaccination, such as with the AT20 peptide vaccine, aims to elicit neutralizing antibodies that block the biological activities of extracellular p17 (Giagulli et al., 2011, Blood). This therapeutic approach focuses on neutralizing the toxic effects of the protein rather than just the virus itself, potentially slowing disease progression. Therapeutic antibodies targeting these epitopes are also under investigation to mitigate the chronic inflammatory state associated with HIV infection (Caccuri et al., 2012, J Biol Chem). Monitoring the activation of these receptors and the resulting antibody titers serves as a key metric for vaccine efficacy and patient immune status.

Other names

HIV-1 p17-specific B-cell receptorAnti-p17 B-cell receptorMatrix protein p17-specific immunoglobulinGag p17-specific BCR

Activation of specific B-cell receptors to generate a humoral immune response against the HIV-1 p17 matrix protein, neutralizing its extracellular signaling and structural functions.