Scott C. Blanchard, Adjunct Professor of Physiology and Biophysics
HIV-1 Env is an attractive target for antiviral therapies, as it forms the envelope of the virus. However, there has been limited success in targeting HIV-1 Env with small molecules, since the structure and dynamics of the protein are complex and are still poorly understood, especially as the virus fuses with target cells.
Cornell and Yale inventors have labeled the HIV gp120 protein and the HIV gp41 protein with dyes, in locations suitable for single molecule fluorescent resonance energy transfer (smFRET) studies.
By deploying the labeled proteins in an smFRET system, the inventors have created methods to determine the effect of test compounds on the dynamics of conformational changes in HIV-Env. The results provide more physiologically relevant insight into the test compounds' effect on HIV-Env function than do static binding studies.
Potential Applications
Screening for antiviral drugs for HIV-1
Intellectual Property
Cornell Reference
- 5942
Contact Information
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