Envelope Glycoprotein GP160 Precursor (gp160)

Envelope glycoprotein gp160 is a precursor protein encoded by the *env* gene of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1). It plays a central role in viral entry into host cells and is essential for HIV infectivity. Gp160 is cleaved into gp120 and gp41, which mediate attachment and fusion, respectively. The mature envelope complex forms as a trimer of heterodimers (gp120-gp41), which protrudes from the viral surface as spikes critical for host cell entry. High variability in certain domains helps HIV evade neutralizing antibodies while maintaining functionally critical surfaces hidden from immune detection. The heavy glycosylation further shields key epitopes.

Other names

env gene productHIV-1 envelope glycoprotein precursor

Mediates HIV's entry into target cells by facilitating attachment and fusion. Gp120 binds to CD4 receptors and co-receptors, inducing conformational changes in gp41, leading to fusion between viral and cellular membranes.