| | The V3 loops of the HIV-1 and HIV-2 surface glycoproteins contain proteolytic cleavage sites: a possible function in ... |
 | | Located close to the crown of the V3 type-specific neutralization loop of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) (IIIB) SU glycoprotein gp120, are several potential sites that should be susceptible to proteolytic cleavage by enzymes of trypsinlike or chymotrypsinlike specificity, or by aspartic proteinases. |
 | | Cleavage of HIV-1 gp120 by thrombin is enhanced by sCD4 binding, but is prevented by transient exposure of gp120 to nonionic detergent. |
 | | We suggest that cleavage of the V3 loop by a cell surface or endosomal proteinase occurs during the HIV-cell fusion reaction, and that neutralizing antibodies directed against the V3 loop might act by inhibition of this reaction. |
| www.aegis.com /aidsline/1991/jul/M9170282.html (567 words) |