HIV-1 gp41, HRP
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
HIV-1 gp41 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that plays a crucial role in the fusion of the HIV virus with host cells. It is part of the envelope glycoprotein complex (Env) of HIV-1, which also includes gp120. The gp41 protein is responsible for mediating the fusion of the viral membrane with the host cell membrane, a critical step in the viral entry process.
The gp41 protein consists of several regions, including the fusion peptide, heptad repeats (HR1 and HR2), and the membrane-proximal external region (MPER). The fusion peptide is responsible for inserting into the host cell membrane, while the heptad repeats facilitate the formation of a six-helix bundle that brings the viral and host membranes into close proximity, allowing fusion to occur .
Recombinant gp41 is a laboratory-produced version of the gp41 protein. It is often used in research to study the mechanisms of HIV entry and to develop potential therapeutic interventions. Recombinant proteins are produced using various expression systems, such as bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells, and are purified for use in experiments.
Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is an enzyme commonly used in biochemical assays due to its ability to catalyze the oxidation of substrates, producing a detectable signal. HRP labeling involves attaching the HRP enzyme to a protein or antibody, allowing for the detection and quantification of the target molecule in various assays, such as ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) or Western blotting .
- Immunoassays: The HRP-labeled recombinant gp41 protein is used in immunoassays to detect antibodies against HIV-1 in patient samples. This is crucial for diagnosing HIV infection and monitoring the immune response in infected individuals.
- Vaccine Research: Understanding the structure and function of gp41 is essential for developing effective HIV vaccines. The recombinant gp41 protein can be used to study the immune response and identify potential vaccine candidates.
- Therapeutic Development: Researchers use recombinant gp41 to screen for inhibitors that can block the fusion process, potentially leading to new antiviral drugs.
