Human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 and simian immunodeficiency virus env proteins possess a functionally conserved assembly domain.
The envelope (env) glycoproteins of human immunodeficiency viruses type 1 (HIV-1) and type 2 (HIV-2) form dimers shortly after synthesis. Analysis of the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) env protein expressed by a recombinant vaccinia virus revealed that it, too, forms stable homodimers. When the HIV-1 and SIV env proteins or the HIV-1 and HIV-2 env proteins were coexpressed in the same cells, heterodimers were formed. Thus, the env proteins of HIV-1, HIV-2, and SIV possess a functionally conserved domain involved in subunit-subunit recognition and assembly that likely involves the ectodomain of gp41.
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Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
Earl
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Chakrabarti
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Moss
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D015153:Blotting, Western; D015699:HIV Envelope Protein gp120 / Q000502:physiology*; D015700:HIV Envelope Protein gp41 / Q000502:physiology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000502:physiology*; D015498:HIV-2 / Q000502:physiology*; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D011233:Precipitin Tests; D015302:Simian Immunodeficiency Virus / Q000502:physiology*; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
D015699:HIV Envelope Protein gp120; D015700:HIV Envelope Protein gp41; D046911:Macromolecular Substances