HIV binding to its receptor creates specific epitopes for the CD4/gp120 complex.
Effective vaccines against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) must cope with the genetic variation of the viral envelope (gp120) to combat or prevent acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Here we describe novel epitopes that are accentuated when gp120 complexes with its receptor (CD4). The presentation of these epitopes results through conformational rearrangements in the CD4/gp120 complex. Monoclonal antibodies directed to these epitopes inhibit syncytium formation, thus indicating the potential use of these epitopes as subunit vaccines.
Gershoni
J M
JM
Department of Cell Research and Immunology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
Denisova
G
G
Raviv
D
D
Smorodinsky
N I
NI
Buyaner
D
D
D016915:AIDS Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D000939:Epitopes; D015699:HIV Envelope Protein gp120 / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D011487:Protein Conformation
D016915:AIDS Vaccines; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015704:CD4 Antigens; D000939:Epitopes; D015699:HIV Envelope Protein gp120