An aptamer that neutralizes R5 strains of HIV-1 binds to core residues of gp120 in the CCR5 binding site

Abstract We have previously isolated nucleic acid ligands (aptamers) that bind the surface envelope glycoprotein, gp120, of HIV-1, and neutralize infection of diverse sub-types of virus. Our earlier studies have identified the overall structure of one of these aptamers, B40, and have indicated that...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Virology (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2008-11, Vol.381 (1), p.46-54
Main Authors: Cohen, Carla, Forzan, Mario, Sproat, Brian, Pantophlet, Ralph, McGowan, Ian, Burton, Dennis, James, William
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anti-HIV Agents - pharmacology
Aptamer
Aptamers, Nucleotide
Binding Sites
Cells, Cultured
Coreceptor
gp120
HIV Envelope Protein gp120 - drug effects
HIV Envelope Protein gp120 - genetics
HIV Envelope Protein gp120 - metabolism
HIV Infections - metabolism
HIV-1
HIV-1 - drug effects
HIV-1 - genetics
HIV-1 - metabolism
Human immunodeficiency virus 1
Humans
Infectious Disease
Microbicide
Neutralization
Receptors, CCR5 - metabolism
RNA - pharmacology
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Summary:Abstract We have previously isolated nucleic acid ligands (aptamers) that bind the surface envelope glycoprotein, gp120, of HIV-1, and neutralize infection of diverse sub-types of virus. Our earlier studies have identified the overall structure of one of these aptamers, B40, and have indicated that it binds to gp120 in a manner that competes with that of the HIV-1 coreceptor, CCR5, and select “CD4i” antibodies with epitopes overlapping this region. Here, we sought to map the B40 binding site on gp120 more precisely by analysing its interaction with a panel of alanine substitution mutants of gp120. Furthermore, we tested our hypothesis concerning the structure of the 40 nucleotide functional core of the aptamer by the solid-phase synthesis of truncated and chemically modified derivatives. The results confirm our structural predictions and demonstrate that aptamer B40 neutralizes a diverse range of HIV-1 isolates as a result of binding to relatively conserved residues on gp120 at the heart of the CCR5-binding site. These structural insights may provide the basis for the development of potential anti-viral agents with high specificity and robustness.
ISSN:0042-6822
1096-0341
DOI:10.1016/j.virol.2008.08.025