Targeting the sticky fingers of HIV-1.
Although human blood plasma contains molecules that inhibit the activity of HIV-1, their identity is largely unknown. Münch et al. (2007) now identify a peptide corresponding to a portion of alpha1-antitrypsin that potently inhibits entry of HIV-1 into host cells by binding to a hydrophobic segment of the viral envelope glycoprotein gp41.
Blumenthal
Robert
R
Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, NCI-Frederick, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA. blumen@helix.nih.gov
Dimitrov
Dimiter S
DS
D015700:HIV Envelope Protein gp41 / Q000378:metabolism; D023581:HIV Fusion Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019151:Peptide Library; D053586:Virus Internalization / Q000187:drug effects*; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*
D015700:HIV Envelope Protein gp41; D023581:HIV Fusion Inhibitors; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D019151:Peptide Library; C519920:VIRIP peptide, human; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin