Research progress on the structure of HIV envelope glycoprotein and related HIV entry inhibitors

HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 and gp41 are considered as two important parts in viral entry.In the process of virus entry,CD4 first binds to gp120 and causes the conformation of gp120 to change.Furthermore the conformation of gp41 has also been changed.Many peptides,macromolecular compounds and small molecule compounds which bind to gp120 or gp41 can deter the progress of virus entry.These compounds can play an important role in halting the spread of HIV-1 in this way.The structure and interaction of gp120 and gp41 are reviewed here,as well as the anti-HIV agents blocking the HIV entry by targeting the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein.