HIV-1 gag p17, p24
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) is the causative agent of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). One of the key components of the HIV-1 virus is the Gag polyprotein, which plays a crucial role in the assembly and maturation of the virus. The Gag polyprotein is processed into several smaller proteins, including p17 and p24, which are essential for the structural integrity and function of the virus.
The Gag polyprotein of HIV-1 is a precursor protein known as Pr55Gag. During viral maturation, the viral protease cleaves Pr55Gag into several smaller proteins, including matrix protein p17, capsid protein p24, nucleocapsid protein p7, and p6 .
- p17 (Matrix Protein): The p17 protein is located at the inner surface of the viral membrane and plays a role in the transport of the viral genome to the host cell nucleus. It also helps in the assembly of the viral particle.
- p24 (Capsid Protein): The p24 protein forms the core of the virus and is involved in the encapsulation of the viral RNA genome. It is a major structural component and is critical for the stability and infectivity of the virus .
Recombinant proteins are proteins that are genetically engineered in the laboratory. The recombinant HIV-1 Gag p17 and p24 proteins are produced using various expression systems, such as E. coli, to study their structure, function, and potential use in vaccines.
- Production: The recombinant p24 protein can be produced in E. coli and purified using affinity chromatography. This allows researchers to obtain high-purity p24 protein for various studies .
- Applications: The p24 protein contains epitopes that prime helper CD4 T-cells, which are crucial for the immune response. This makes p24 a potential candidate for HIV vaccines. Additionally, antibodies against p24 are early markers of HIV infection, making it a target for diagnostic tests .
Research on recombinant HIV-1 Gag p17 and p24 proteins has shown promising results in the development of HIV vaccines. For example, studies have demonstrated that the fusion of p24 with other proteins, such as the ricin toxin B subunit, can enhance the immune response in animal models . This highlights the potential of recombinant p24 as a component of multicomponent HIV vaccines.
