Target intelligence / Profile preview

HIV Envelope Glycoprotein gp160 (gp160)

Target: gp160
Molecular classification: Viral protein, Glycoprotein, Envelope protein

Overview

The HIV envelope glycoprotein precursor gp160 is essential for viral entry into human immune cells. After synthesis, it cleaves into two functional units—gp120 binds to cellular receptors while gp41 drives membrane fusion. Its structural complexity, heavy glycosylation, high immunogenicity, and centrality to infection make it both a challenging vaccine target and an attractive focus for therapeutic intervention efforts.

Other names: Env gp160HIV-1 gp160gp160 envelope glycoprotein

Mechanism of action

Binding to CD4 receptor and co-receptors (CCR5 or CXCR4) to facilitate viral entry; targeted by neutralizing antibodies that block binding or fusion.

Biological functions

Viral entryReceptor binding (CD4)Membrane fusionImmune evasion

Disease associations

HIV infectionAIDS pathogenesis

Safety considerations

High sequence variability leading to immune escapeGlycosylation masking epitopesChallenges in eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodiesPotential for off-target effects with entry inhibitors

Interacting drugs

CD4-mimetic peptides

2 more in the full profile.

Biomarkers

gp160 levels in plasma (viral load)Antibody response to gp160gp120 sequence diversity (resistance)

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