High-mannose N-glycans on HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 (HIV-1 gp120 high-mannose glycans)

High-mannose N-glycans on HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 are a dense cluster of carbohydrates that form a "glycan shield" on the surface of the HIV-1 envelope protein [nih.gov, 2021]. These glycans are essential for the proper folding of gp120 and play a critical role in shielding the virus from the host's immune system by masking underlying protein epitopes [wikipedia.org, 2024]. Despite their role in immune evasion, specific clusters of these glycans, particularly the "mannose patch," serve as targets for broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) like PGT121 and 2G12 [nih.gov, 2011]. These antibodies recognize the unique spatial arrangement of the glycans, allowing them to neutralize a wide range of HIV-1 strains [frontiersin.org, 2021]. Therapeutic strategies targeting these glycans include the development of bNAbs for prevention and treatment, as well as lectin-based microbicides like Griffithsin that bind the glycans to block viral entry [nih.gov, 2007].

Other names

Oligomannose glycans on gp120HIV-1 glycan shieldMan9GlcNAc2 glycans on gp120Mannose patch on gp120High-mannose patch

Neutralization of HIV-1 by binding to the glycan shield, preventing viral attachment to CD4 receptors and co-receptors (CCR5/CXCR4), thereby blocking viral entry [nih.gov, 2024].