Human immunodeficiency virus 1 CRF01_AE envelope glycoprotein (HIV-1 CRF01_AE Env)

The HIV-1 CRF01_AE envelope antigens are the surface glycoproteins of a specific circulating recombinant form of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1, which is highly prevalent in Southeast Asia. The envelope (Env) complex is produced as a gp160 precursor that is cleaved by host cell proteases into the surface subunit gp120 and the transmembrane subunit gp41, which non-covalently associate into a functional trimer. These proteins are critical for the viral life cycle; gp120 facilitates initial docking to the host CD4 receptor and subsequent co-receptor binding, while gp41 undergoes a dramatic structural rearrangement to fuse the viral and cellular membranes. As the only viral proteins exposed on the virion surface, they are the primary targets for vaccine development and entry-inhibitor drugs. Notably, these specific antigens were the focus of the RV144 'Thai trial,' the first clinical trial to demonstrate modest efficacy in preventing HIV infection. Therapeutic challenges include the protein's rapid evolution and a dense glycan shield that protects conserved epitopes from the host immune system.

Other names

gp160gp120gp41HIV-1 CRF01_AE Env polyproteinEnvelope surface glycoprotein gp120Envelope transmembrane glycoprotein gp41

Inhibition of viral attachment to CD4 receptors, prevention of co-receptor (CCR5/CXCR4) binding, and blockade of the gp41-mediated conformational change required for membrane fusion.