HIV-1 Envelope glycoprotein (gp160) (Env)

The HIV-1 Envelope protein (Env) is a critical type I transmembrane glycoprotein that facilitates the entry of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 into host immune cells (UniProt P04578). It is synthesized as a 160 kDa precursor (gp160), which is subsequently cleaved by host cell proteases into two non-covalently associated subunits: the surface subunit gp120 and the transmembrane subunit gp41. The term "gp150" is not the canonical name for the full-length protein but typically refers to a research-specific truncated version of gp160 lacking the C-terminal cytoplasmic tail, often utilized in vaccine development to enhance surface expression (PMID: 11160736). Env exists as a trimer on the viral surface, where gp120 mediates attachment to the host CD4 receptor and coreceptors, while gp41 undergoes a conformational change to drive membrane fusion. As the only viral protein exposed on the virion surface, Env is the primary target for neutralizing antibodies and specific antiretroviral drug classes, such as attachment inhibitors and fusion inhibitors (PubChem). However, the protein's extensive glycosylation and high mutational frequency present significant hurdles for long-term therapeutic efficacy and vaccine design.

Other names

gp160gp120/gp41 complexHIV-1 Envgp150 (truncated envelope protein)Envelope surface glycoprotein gp120Transmembrane glycoprotein gp41

Inhibition of viral entry by blocking gp120-CD4 attachment or preventing gp41-mediated membrane fusion.