February 28, 2022

Unexpected findings detailed in new portrait of HIV

February 28, 2022

LA JOLLA, CA Using powerful tools and techniques developed in the field of structural biology, researchers at the University of Washington and Scripps Research have discovered new details about the human immunodeficiency virus, HIV. The findings bring into focus the basic architecture of the virus just above and below its surface and may help in the design and development of a vaccine that can protect against AIDS.

These detailed findings include 3D views of the structure and position of the virus' envelope spike proteins (the Env protein, used when the virus binds with cells) in the context of the full virus. Normally, researchers view the protein particles separated from the virus or expressed as engineered or purified proteins. In another key development, the scientists shed new light on the glycan shields the sugars on the proteins that can hide it from the body's immune system.

We're looking at the whole virus particle and how this protein on the surface relates to the rest of the virus, said lead author Kelly Lee, associate professor of medicinal chemistry in the UW School of Pharmacy. And by looking at the intact virus structure, we can see how the different facets of this face of the virus' are being displayed and how they would be recognized by or hidden from the immune system.

This intact view of the virus also allowed the scientists to gain new insights into positioning of the envelope spike protein on the surface relative to the internal protein structure, called the Gag lattice.

Figure illustrates how two key parts of the virus, the Env surface protein and internal Gag assembly are organized relative to each other in newly assembled, immature virus particles. This interaction is critical for formation of new HIV virus particles, and understanding more about it may point to ways of blocking the interactions and inhibiting virus production. Credit: Kelly Lee,Lee Lab at the University of Washington

LINK:	https://www.scripps.edu/news-and-events/press-room/2022/20220228-zwick...
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