Sequence similarities between human immunodeficiency virus gp41 and paramyxovirus fusion proteins.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1988. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Sequence similarities between human immunodeficiency virus gp41 and paramyxovirus fusion proteins.

AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 1987 Fall;3(3):245-52. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/88134681
Gonzalez-Scarano F; Waxham MN; Ross AM; Hoxie JA; Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Medical; Center, Philadelphia.

Abstract: Cell fusion is a characteristic cytopathic effect induced by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that leads to the formation of syncytia between infected lymphocytes. Although this process has been shown to occur following the specific binding of the 110-120 kD externalized envelope molecule of the virus with the CD4 glycoprotein, the region of the HIV envelope that directly mediates cell fusion is unknown. In an attempt to identify this fusion domain, we compared the amino acid sequences from the envelope molecules of several HIV isolates to the fusion proteins of paramyxoviruses. We found that the amino terminal region of the HIV transmembrane protein gp41 had a striking degree of similarity with the fusion domain of the respiratory syncytial virus. Moreover, similar sequences were noted in the fusion proteins of other paramyxoviruses and the transmembrane envelope proteins of a variety of lentiviruses suggesting that a functional relationship exists between these glycoproteins. This finding indicates that the amino terminal region of the HIV gp41 molecule may mediate cell fusion for this virus, and could be an important target in the design of immunologic strategies for the prevention of HIV infection in vivo.

Keywords: Amino Acid Sequence Cell Fusion Comparative Study HIV/*GENETICS/PHYSIOLOGY Paramyxoviridae/*GENETICS/PHYSIOLOGY Protein Conformation Proteins/GENETICS Retroviridae Proteins/*GENETICS/PHYSIOLOGY Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. Viral Envelope Proteins/*GENETICS/PHYSIOLOGY Viral Fusion Proteins/*GENETICS/PHYSIOLOGY JOURNAL ARTICLE

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