Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope glycoprotein (Clade A) (HIV-1 Env (Clade A))

The Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope glycoprotein (HIV-1 Env) is the essential machinery for viral entry into host cells (UniProt P04578). It is synthesized as a gp160 precursor that is cleaved into the gp120 surface subunit and the gp41 transmembrane subunit, which assemble into a heterotrimeric spike on the viral surface (NCBI: HIV-1 Env). Env mediates infection by binding to the host CD4 receptor and subsequently to a co-receptor (CCR5 or CXCR4), inducing conformational changes that facilitate the fusion of viral and cellular membranes (PubMed: PMC4289398). As the only viral protein exposed on the virion surface, it is the primary target for neutralizing antibodies and various classes of entry inhibitors like Fostemsavir and Enfuvirtide (FDA: Rukobia, Fuzeon). Clade A (EnvA) represents a significant genetic subtype of HIV-1, particularly prevalent in East Africa and parts of Asia, and is a critical focus for global vaccine and therapeutic research (PubMed: PMC3541334).

Other names

gp160gp120/gp41 complexHIV-1 subtype A envelopeEnvelope surface glycoprotein gp120Transmembrane glycoprotein gp41EnvA

Inhibition of viral attachment to CD4 receptors, prevention of co-receptor binding, or disruption of the gp41-mediated membrane fusion process.