HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins gp120 and gp41

The HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins gp120 and gp41 collectively form the trimeric viral spike (“Env”) crucial for viral entry. gp120 mediates attachment to CD4 and a co-receptor on the host cell, while gp41 executes membrane fusion. This complex is the primary target for broadly neutralizing antibodies and several classes of entry inhibitors, though its extensive conformational variability and glycosylation confer resistance to immune and pharmaceutical neutralization. Targeting this entry mechanism remains a central strategy in antiretroviral therapy and vaccine development[1][2][3][4][5][6][7].

Blockade of gp120 binding to receptors - Inhibition of gp41 conformational changes/fusion