HIV-2 gp-36 397aa

HIV-2 gp36 is a glycoprotein found in the envelope of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 2 (HIV-2). This protein plays a crucial role in the virus’s ability to infect host cells and is a key target for diagnostic and therapeutic research. The recombinant form of HIV-2 gp36, specifically the 397 amino acid (aa) variant, is used extensively in laboratory research to study the virus’s properties and to develop diagnostic tools.

The HIV-2 gp36 397aa recombinant protein is a 34 kDa protein that contains 397 amino acids. It includes the sequence of the HIV-2 envelope immunodominant regions, which are critical for the virus’s ability to bind and enter host cells . The protein is often fused to beta-galactosidase at the N-terminus, which aids in its detection and purification during laboratory experiments .

The recombinant HIV-2 gp36 protein is typically expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. This expression system is chosen because it allows for high-yield production of the protein, which is essential for research purposes. The protein is then purified to a high degree of purity, often greater than 95%, using techniques such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) .

The HIV-2 gp36 397aa recombinant protein is used in various research applications, including:

1. Diagnostic Development: The protein is used to develop diagnostic assays, such as Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA), which detect antibodies against HIV-2 in human serum .
2. Vaccine Research: Researchers study the protein to understand how the immune system responds to HIV-2, which can inform the development of vaccines.
3. Therapeutic Research: The protein is also used to screen for potential therapeutic agents that can inhibit the virus’s ability to infect host cells.

The HIV-2 gp36 397aa recombinant protein is stable at 4°C for up to one week. For long-term storage, it should be kept below -18°C to prevent degradation. It is important to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as these can reduce the protein’s stability and effectiveness .

As with all recombinant proteins, the HIV-2 gp36 397aa recombinant protein should be handled with care in a laboratory setting. It is intended for research use only and should not be used as a drug, food additive, or household chemical .