title: The V1/V2 loop of HIV-1 gp120 is necessary for Tat binding and consequent modulation of virus entry.
abstract: Preventing cell entry of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) is of interest for the development of innovative therapies. We previously reported a specific interaction between HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein 120 (gp120) and Tat at the cell surface, which enhances virus attachment and entry. We also identified a gp120-mimicking peptide, CT319, that competes with gp120 for Tat binding, thus inhibiting HIV-1 infection. Here we report a molecular dissection of gp120 regions involved in this mechanism. Our findings identify the V1/V2 loop of gp120 as involved in Tat binding, and define this interaction as functionally relevant for HIV-1 entry into host cells.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy.
authors.forename: Sabrina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cardaci
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Soster
authors.forename: Federico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bussolino
authors.forename: Serena
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Marchiò
mesh_terms: D020816:Amino Acid Motifs; D001665:Binding Sites; D001667:Binding, Competitive; D002460:Cell Line; D015870:Gene Expression; D015696:Gene Products, tat / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015699:HIV Envelope Protein gp120 / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009154:Mutation; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D011485:Protein Binding; D054730:Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs; D017433:Protein Structure, Secondary; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000821:virology; D053586:Virus Internalization / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D015696:Gene Products, tat; D015699:HIV Envelope Protein gp120; D010455:Peptides; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
keywords: HIV-1; Peptide; Tat; Virus entry; gp120