Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Envelope Glycoprotein (HIV-1 Env) (HIV-1 Env)

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Envelope Glycoprotein (HIV-1 Env) is the primary surface protein of the virus and the sole target for neutralizing antibodies (UniProt P04578). It is synthesized as a gp160 precursor, which is subsequently cleaved by host cell proteases into the surface subunit gp120 and the transmembrane subunit gp41 (PubMed: 11544348). Env mediates viral entry by binding to the host CD4 receptor and a co-receptor (CCR5 or CXCR4), triggering a conformational change that leads to membrane fusion (PubMed: 10649992). In Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vaccine platforms, such as MVA-B or MVA-CMDR, the Env gene is encoded within the viral vector to facilitate the endogenous expression of the protein, thereby stimulating both B-cell and T-cell mediated immunity (PubMed: 22110167, PubMed: 25403853). Despite its critical role as a vaccine target, the high degree of sequence variability and extensive glycosylation of Env pose significant hurdles for the development of a globally effective HIV-1 vaccine (PubMed: 21835158). Drugs targeting Env include entry inhibitors like Fostemsavir and Enfuvirtide, as well as broadly neutralizing antibodies currently in clinical trials (PubMed: 29161414).

Other names

gp160gp120gp41HIV-1 Envelope proteinEnv glycoproteinSurface glycoproteinHIV-1 Env antigens encoded by the MVA HIV-1 vaccine

Induction of humoral and cellular immune responses, specifically neutralizing antibodies and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, to block viral entry and eliminate infected cells (PubMed: 22110167). Additionally, direct inhibition of viral entry by small molecules or monoclonal antibodies targeting specific Env subunits (PubMed: 29161414).