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Title: Biophysical characterization of V3-lipopeptide liposomes influencing HIV-1 infectivity

Journal Article · · Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
 [1];  [2];  [1];  [3];  [4];  [2];
  1. Department of Chemistry and Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH-IESL), University of Crete, P.O. Box 2208, Heraklion 71003 (Greece)
  2. Department of Applied Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, FORTH, Heraklion, Crete (Greece)
  3. Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000 (United States)
  4. Department of Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete (Greece)

The V3-loop of the HIV-1 gp120 alters host cell immune function and modulates infectivity. We investigated biophysical parameters of liposome constructs with embedded lipopeptides from the principle neutralizing domain of the V3-loop and their influence on viral infectivity. Dynamic light scattering measurements showed liposome supramolecular structures with hydrodynamic radius of the order of 900 and 1300 nm for plain and V3-lipopeptide liposomes. Electron paramagnetic resonance measurements showed almost identical local microenvironment. The difference in liposome hydrodynamic radius was attributed to the fluctuating ionic environment of the V3-lipopeptide liposomes. In vitro HIV-1 infectivity assays showed that plain liposomes reduced virus production in all cell cultures, probably due to the hydrophobic nature of the aggregates. Liposomes carrying V3-lipopeptides with different cationic potentials restored and even enhanced infectivity (p < 0.05). These results highlight the need for elucidation of the involvement of lipid bilayers as dynamic components in supramolecular structures and in HIV-1 fusion mechanisms.

OSTI ID:
20979885
Journal Information:
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Vol. 355, Issue 4; Other Information: DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.02.052; PII: S0006-291X(07)00333-6; Copyright (c) 2007 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0006-291X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English