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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Conformational Evaluation of HIV-1 Trimeric Envelope Glycoproteins Using a Cell-based ELISA Assay
Published on: September 14, 2014
Subtype polymorphisms among HIV-1 protease variants confer altered flap conformations and flexibility
Jamie L Kear1, Mandy E Blackburn, Angelo M Veloro
1Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 117200, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-7200, USA.
Sequence variations in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protease affect flap conformations. These changes in flap dynamics influence the sampling of different conformational states, impacting viral maturation and potential drug targeting.
Area of Science:
- Structural biology
- Virology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protease is crucial for viral maturation and a key target for AIDS therapy.
- Protease flap conformation regulates substrate access to the active site, undergoing open-to-closed transitions during binding and catalysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how sequence variations in apo HIV-1 protease (HIV-1PR) across different subtypes and patient isolates affect flap conformations.
- To analyze the conformational sampling of flap states in various HIV-1PR constructs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) with double electron-electron resonance (DEER) spectroscopy to monitor flap conformations.
- Analyzed distance distribution profiles from DEER data to reconstruct flap conformer populations.
Main Results:
- Identified and quantified four distinct flap conformer populations: "tucked/curled", "closed", "semi-open", and "wide-open".
- Demonstrated that sequence variations among HIV-1PR subtypes, CRFs, and patient isolates alter the average flap conformation.
- Showed that these variations induce shifts in the relative populations of the four flap conformations.
Conclusions:
- Sequence variability in HIV-1PR directly impacts flap conformational dynamics and sampling.
- Understanding these conformational shifts is essential for developing effective antiviral therapies targeting HIV-1 protease.
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