HIV-1 gp41 shares a common immunologic determinant with human T, B and monocyte cell lines

Several examples of molecular mimicry between HIV-1 and human proteins are reported in the literature. Here we report on yet another example. The monoclonal antibody 3D6 recognized a 17-amino-acid region in HIV-1 gp41 (amino acids 602-618) and could bind to the human T-cell lines H9 and Molt4, B cell lines Raji and Bjab, and monocyte cell lines U937 and HL60. By Western blot using 3D6, a strong band of 43 kDa and a very weak band of 80 kDa were detected in lysates of H9, Molt4, Raji and Bjab cell lines, but only a strong band of 43 kDa was observed in case of U937 and HL60 cells, under reducing or non-reducing conditions. The results indicate the presence of a common immunologic determinant between HIV-1 gp41 and membrane proteins of these human T, B and monocyte cells.