Gp41 also known as glycoprotein 41 is a subunit of the envelope protein complex of retroviruses, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Gp41 is a transmembrane protein that contains several sites within its ectodomain that are required for infection of host cells.

The first X-ray crystal structures of gp41, the protein that mediates fusion of HIV-1 to target cells, were solved in the mid-1990s. The structures provide a foundation for understanding viral entry and the mechanism of action of compounds that block fusion.

The HIV-1 gp120/gp41 trimer undergoes a series of conformational changes in order to catalyze gp41-induced fusion of viral and cellular membranes. Here, we present the crystal structure of gp41 locked in a fusion intermediate state by an ...

gp41 is a class 1 fusion protein that results from the cleavage by furin of a longer precursor, gp160. Adjacent to the processing site resides a long hydrophobic stretch of amino acids that forms the N-terminus of gp41 after cleavage.

gp41, a region (residues 528–562) immediately carboxy-terminal to the fusion peptide is important for this association, although mutations outside this region can also be disruptive (Cao et al., 1993).

gp41 (encoded by env) is a membrane protein on the surface of HIV that facilitates fusion with the cell surface membrane through conformational change. gp41 comprises two repeat segments, heptad repeat 1 (HR1) and HR2. Enfurvitide (T-20), the only licensed fusion inhibitor, mimics HR2 and binds to HR1, preventing the conformational change and ...

The transmembrane subunit of the HIV envelope protein, gp41 is a vulnerable target to inhibit HIV entry. There is one fusion inhibitor T20 (brand name: Fuzeon, generic name: enfuvirtide) available by prescription.

Apr 18, 1997 · The envelope glycoprotein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) consists of a complex of gp120 and gp41. gp120 determines viral tropism by binding to target-cell receptors, while gp41 mediates fusion between viral and cellular membranes.

Feb 1, 2004 · The first X-ray crystal structures of gp41, the protein that mediates fusion of HIV-1 to target cells, were solved in the mid-1990s. The structures provide a foundation for understanding viral...

HIV-1 infects host cells through envelope protein – mediated virus-cell fusion. The transmembrane subunit of envelope protein, gp41, is the molecular machinery which facilitates fusion.