Study of possible interactions between HIV V3 protein and cell chemokine receptors

Introduction and Objectives: HIV-1 gp120 contains several domains and five surface-exposed mobile loops (V1 to V5). Among all mentioned loops, V3 loop binds to chemokine receptors which is required for viral entry. This study aimed to define the possible interactions between V3 regions and receptors. Materials and Methods: V3 protein sequences were obtained from the gene bank, and then by various software, physical and chemical characteristics, post-modifications sits, changes in amino acid and second and third-dimensional structures were determined. Also, the interactions between V3 and chemokine receptors were examined. Results: Results showed there are numerous phosphorylation, glycosylation sites, and disulfide bonds in the V3 protein. Docking results indicated the probable interaction between the V3 protein and different receptors. The results showed the effect of mutations on the interactions between V3 and receptors. Discussion: The high energy values of the interaction between V3 and receptors indicated the high binding potential of proteins. Analysis of the tertiary structure of the V3 protein showed different conserved regions which have great potential to bond with receptors.

کلیدواژه ها:

V3 ، gp120 ، HIV