V3 receptors

The term "V3 receptors" is incorrect and does not refer to a recognized molecular target or receptor. Instead, the V3 loop (or third variable region) is a specific segment within the envelope glycoprotein gp120 of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1). The V3 loop plays a critical role in determining which chemokine co-receptor—either CCR5 or CXCR4—the virus will use to enter host cells[2][5][1]. This specificity influences viral tropism and disease progression. The V3 loop itself is not a receptor but rather a structural motif on the virus that interacts with host cell receptors; thus, it should not be listed as a therapeutic target or classified as a receptor[2][5]. Drugs such as Maraviroc act by targeting CCR5, one of the actual cellular co-receptors engaged by the V3 loop during HIV entry[2].

Other names

V3 loopthird variable region of gp120HIV-1 V3 region