HIV Entry and Its Inhibition

Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is an enveloped virus, and its envelope protein complex controls the key process of viral entry. This envelope protein determines viral tropism and facilitates the membrane fusion process that allows invasion of the viral genome. The envelope protein can also promote the fusion of infected cells with uninfected neighboring cells, a phenomenon called syncytium formation that is readily observed in cultured cells and may be responsible for some of the cytopathic effects of advanced HIV infection. Here we review recent insights in HIV envelope protein structure and function and present our current understanding of the entry process. We also review how these findings lead to new approaches for inhibiting HIV entry and may provide insights into the design of better HIV vaccines.