HIV-1 gp41 Subtype-b
Escherichia Coli.
Sterile Filtered clear solution.
Protein is >95% pure as determined by 10% PAGE (coomassie staining).
Description
Recombinant HIV-1 gp41 Subtype-b produced in E. coli having a Mw of 42kDa.
Recombinant HIV-1 gp41 Subtype-b is fused to GST tag at its N-terminus and purified by proprietary chromatographic technique.
Product Specs
Escherichia Coli.
Product Science Overview
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) is the primary causative agent of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The virus’s envelope glycoproteins, gp120 and gp41, play crucial roles in the virus’s ability to infect host cells. The gp41 protein, in particular, is essential for the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane, facilitating viral entry and subsequent infection.
The gp41 protein is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is non-covalently associated with gp120. Together, they form the HIV-1 envelope spike, which is responsible for the initial attachment and entry of the virus into host cells. The gp41 protein consists of several key regions:
- Fusion Peptide (FP): This region is responsible for inserting into the host cell membrane, initiating the fusion process.
- Heptad Repeat 1 (HR1) and Heptad Repeat 2 (HR2): These regions form a six-helix bundle that brings the viral and cellular membranes into close proximity, facilitating fusion.
- Membrane-Proximal External Region (MPER): This region is critical for the stability and function of the gp41 protein and is a target for broadly neutralizing antibodies .
Recombinant gp41 Subtype-b refers to the laboratory-produced version of the gp41 protein from the HIV-1 subtype B strain. This subtype is the most prevalent in North America and Europe. The recombinant form is used extensively in research to study the protein’s structure, function, and interactions with antibodies and other molecules.
The recombinant gp41 Subtype-b protein is invaluable in HIV research for several reasons:
- Structural Studies: Understanding the structure of gp41 is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms of viral entry and fusion. High-resolution structures of gp41, often in complex with neutralizing antibodies, provide insights into potential targets for therapeutic intervention .
- Antibody Interactions: Studying how broadly neutralizing antibodies interact with gp41 can inform the design of vaccines that elicit similar immune responses. The MPER region, in particular, is a focus of vaccine research due to its vulnerability to neutralizing antibodies .
- Drug Development: Recombinant gp41 proteins are used to screen for potential inhibitors of viral fusion. Compounds that can block the function of gp41 may serve as effective antiretroviral drugs .
