SIV gp41 Specific Neutra™ Antibody Products

Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) is a lentivirus infecting non-human primates (NHPs), serving as a critical model for HIV research. The envelope glycoprotein gp41 is a transmembrane protein essential for viral entry. It is derived from the precursor gp160 and forms a trimer. gp41 possesses a hydrophobic fusion peptide, transmembrane domain, and cytoplasmic tail. Its main role is to assist in the fusion of the viral membrane with a membrane of the host cell, enabling the viral core to enter the cell. The gp41 structure and its function are crucial for SIV infectivity.

Fig. 1 3D description of SIV virion.Distributed under Public Domain, from Wiki, without modification.

Role of gp41 in SIV Viral Entry

The gp41 protein plays a pivotal role in the membrane fusion process during SIV entry. Initially, the SIV envelope glycoprotein gp120 binds to the CD4 receptor on the host cell, triggering conformational changes. These changes lead to the exposure of the fusion peptide of gp41. The fusion peptide inserts into the host cell membrane, triggering membrane fusion. Subsequently, gp41 undergoes further conformational changes, forming a six-helix bundle structure. Among them, the formation of the coiled coil structure is because the carboxyl terminus of the fusion peptide is two regions containing 4,3 hydrophobic (heptapeptide) repeat sequences. This structure brings the viral and host cell membranes into close proximity, leading to their fusion. The viral capsid is then entered into the cytoplasm, initiating viral replication.

Fig. 2 Schematic overview of SIV life cycle and measurable viral parameters.¹

SIV/SHIV NHP Model

The SIV NHP model is a crucial tool for studying HIV pathogenesis and evaluating potential therapies. SIV naturally infects various monkey species, mimicking HIV infection in humans. This model allows researchers to observe disease progression, immune responses, and viral dynamics in a controlled setting. The simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) model involves recombinant viruses with SIV backbones and HIV envelope genes. SHIV models bridge the gap between SIV and HIV, allowing for the study of specific HIV-1 proteins within an SIV context. These models have been instrumental in developing antiretroviral therapies and vaccines.

SIV gp41 Neutralizing Antibodies

Antibodies targeting SIV gp41 have shown promise in neutralizing viral infection. These antibodies can inhibit the conformational changes necessary for membrane fusion, thus stopping viral entry. Specifically, antibodies targeting the membrane proximal external region (MPER) and the fusion peptide of gp41 have exhibited potent neutralizing activity. Some broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against conserved regions of gp41 provide the potential for cross-clade protection. Research focuses on developing monoclonal antibodies and immunogens that elicit potent and broadly neutralizing responses against gp41. Passive immunization with these antibodies has demonstrated protective efficacy in NHP models, highlighting the potential for gp41-targeted therapies.

Creative Biolabs provides premium anti-SIV gp41 neutralizing antibodies as well as anti-SIV gp41 antibodies for SIV detection to support your research endeavors.

REFERENCE

1. Wang, Xiaolei, and Huanbin Xu. "Residual proviral reservoirs: a high risk for HIV persistence and driving forces for viral rebound after analytical treatment interruption." Viruses 13.2 (2021): 335. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.