Estimating the Threshold Surface Density of Gp120-CCR5 Complexes Necessary for HIV-1 Entry
Author Information
Author(s): Mulampaka Shiva Naresh, Dixit Narendra M.
Primary Institution: Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
Hypothesis
The threshold surface density of gp120-CCR5 complexes necessary for HIV-1 entry remains poorly estimated.
Conclusion
The study estimates the threshold surface density of gp120-CCR5 complexes necessary for HIV-1 entry to be approximately 20 µm−2.
Supporting Evidence
- Reduced expression of CCR5 on target CD4+ cells lowers their susceptibility to infection by R5-tropic HIV-1.
- Binding of the HIV-1 envelope protein gp120 with CCR5 is essential for the entry of R5 viruses into target cells.
- The threshold surface density of gp120-CCR5 complexes necessary for HIV-1 entry is estimated to be approximately 20 µm−2.
- Model predictions captured data from independent cell-cell fusion assays in the presence of CCR5 antagonists.
Takeaway
This study helps us understand how many HIV proteins need to attach to a cell for the virus to enter and cause infection.
Methodology
A mathematical model was constructed to analyze data from cell-cell fusion assays, predicting the influence of CCR5 expression on susceptibility to HIV-1 entry.
Limitations
The model approximations may not apply to viral entry in vivo, and the spatial distribution of CCR5 on target cells remains unclear.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% confidence intervals were provided for parameter estimates.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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