Host-derived proteins incorporated into the HIV-1 viral envelope

Host-derived proteins incorporated into the HIV-1 viral envelope refer to a variety of cellular surface proteins that are selectively captured by HIV-1 during its budding from the host cell plasma membrane (Burnie and Guzzo, 2019) [2.2.1]. These proteins, such as HLA-DR (MHC class II), ICAM-1 (CD54), and integrin alpha4beta7, remain functionally active on the viral surface and play critical roles in the viral life cycle (Guzzo et al., 2017) [3.1.1]. They enhance viral infectivity by facilitating attachment to target cells, promote tissue-specific homing (e.g., to the gut), and help the virus evade the host immune system by increasing resistance to neutralizing antibodies (Nih.gov) [2.1.1, 3.4.2]. Because these proteins are host-derived, they represent a unique class of therapeutic targets; for instance, the anti-alpha4beta7 antibody vedolizumab has been investigated for its ability to block HIV-1 homing and infection (ClinicalTrials.gov) [3.1.5]. However, targeting these proteins poses significant safety challenges, as the same molecules are essential for normal host immune and physiological processes, potentially leading to off-target effects (Nih.gov) [3.4.1].

Other names

Virion-incorporated host proteinsHost cell proteins in HIV-1 envelopeHIV-1 host-derived envelope proteinsHost-derived envelope proteins

Neutralization of viral particles, inhibition of viral attachment and fusion, and induction of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) or complement-mediated lysis by targeting host proteins displayed on the virion surface.