HIV Type-O gp41 13kDa

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that leads to a condition where the immune system begins to fail, making the body susceptible to opportunistic infections. HIV primarily targets vital cells in the human immune system, such as helper T cells (specifically CD4+ T cells), macrophages, and dendritic cells. The virus was classified as a member of the genus Lentivirus, part of the family Retroviridae .

HIV is categorized into different types and groups. HIV Type-O is one of the less common groups of HIV-1, primarily found in West Central Africa. It is distinct from the more prevalent HIV-1 groups M and N. The gp41 protein is a transmembrane glycoprotein that plays a crucial role in the virus’s ability to infect host cells. It is involved in the fusion of the viral membrane with the host cell membrane, facilitating the entry of the viral genome into the host cell .

The recombinant HIV Type-O gp41 13kDa is a non-glycosylated polypeptide chain produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli). It has a molecular mass of 13kDa and is fused to a His tag at the N-terminus. This recombinant protein is used in various research applications, including the study of HIV infection mechanisms and the development of diagnostic tools and vaccines .

The recombinant HIV Type-O gp41 13kDa is produced using E. coli as the host organism. The gene encoding the gp41 protein is inserted into an expression vector, which is then introduced into E. coli cells. The bacteria are cultured under conditions that promote the expression of the recombinant protein. After expression, the protein is purified using techniques such as affinity chromatography, which exploits the His tag for selective binding and elution .

The recombinant HIV Type-O gp41 13kDa protein is valuable in various research contexts:

• Vaccine Development: It is used to study the immune response to HIV and to develop potential vaccines.
• Diagnostic Tools: The protein can be used in assays to detect antibodies against HIV in patient samples.
• Mechanistic Studies: Researchers use the protein to investigate the mechanisms of viral entry and fusion with host cells .

The recombinant HIV Type-O gp41 13kDa protein is stable at room temperature for up to four weeks but should be stored below -18°C for long-term preservation. It is recommended to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to maintain its stability and functionality .