gp120 Attachment Protein (gp120)

gp120 is a glycoprotein found on the surface of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) envelope. It plays a critical role in viral entry by mediating attachment to host cell receptors, primarily CD4, and facilitating subsequent steps leading to membrane fusion and infection. The name "gp120" refers to its approximate molecular weight of 120 kDa. It associates non-covalently with gp41 to form trimeric spikes on the viral envelope. gp120 is a major target for neutralizing antibodies but has proven difficult as an effective vaccine antigen due to its conformational flexibility, extensive glycan shield, and rapid sequence variation.

Other names

HIV-1 gp120Envelope glycoprotein gp120Glycoprotein 120

Attachment to CD4 and co-receptors on host cells, leading to membrane fusion and viral entry.