HIV-1 gp41 Kennedy epitope region (KE)

The HIV-1 gp41 Kennedy epitope (KE) is a highly immunogenic region located within the C-terminal tail (CTT) of the gp41 transmembrane glycoprotein, typically spanning residues 728–745 of the gp160 precursor [6, 8]. Although the CTT is traditionally characterized as an intracytoplasmic domain, the Kennedy epitope is notable for its periodic or context-dependent exposure on the surface of infected cells and viral particles [5, 10]. This exposure makes it a target for neutralizing antibodies, such as SAR1 and Chessie 8, which can inhibit viral entry and cell-to-cell spread by interfering with the conformational transitions required for membrane fusion [6, 10, 12]. The KE plays a role in the structural integrity of the envelope trimer and its interaction with the viral matrix protein during assembly [6, 16]. Research into the KE is significant for HIV vaccine development, as it represents a conserved site of vulnerability that can elicit a protective immune response [8, 11]. However, its therapeutic utility is challenged by the cryptic nature of the epitope, which may only be accessible during specific stages of the viral life cycle or under certain environmental conditions [7, 10].

Other names

Kennedy epitopeKEgp41 C-terminal tail epitopegp41 residues 728-745Kennedy loop

Neutralization of HIV-1 virions and inhibition of gp41-mediated membrane fusion, particularly blocking cell-to-cell transmission.