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From Wikipedia: "Lenacapavir works by binding directly to the interface between HIV-1 viral capsid protein (p24) subunits in capsid hexamers, interfering with
by tjohns 2y ago
From Wikipedia:
"Lenacapavir works by binding directly to the interface between HIV-1 viral capsid protein (p24) subunits in capsid hexamers, interfering with essential steps of viral replication, including capsid-mediated nuclear uptake of HIV-1 proviral DNA, virus assembly and release, production of capsid protein subunits, and capsid core formation[1]... It functions by binding to the hydrophobic pocket formed by two neighboring protein subunits in the capsid shell. This bond stabilizes the capsid structure and inhibits the functional disassembly of the capsid in infected cells.[2]"
In other words, it prevents the virus' protein shell (capsid) from being built properly, which in turn prevents the virus from properly opening ("uncoating") once it enters a host cell.
[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenacapavir https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenacapavir
[2]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV_capsid_inhibition https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV_capsid_inhibition
- nothrowaways 2y agoThought Lenacapavir was just a chemical. If it knows where the nucleus is, is Lenacapavir an organism?
- tjohns 2y agoYes, Lenacapavir is just a chemical. It's HIV itself that "knows" where the nucleus is and is actively trying to get there once it's inside your cell. It does this by walking itself along your cell's microtubial network. It would be fascinating if it wasn't so deadly. I'd recommend watching this video: https://vimeo.com/260291607 https://vimeo.com/260291607 See timestamps 1:33 and 2:47.
- akira2501 2y ago> It functions by binding to the hydrophobic pocket formed by two neighboring protein subunits in the capsid shell That's entirely cool to me, it operates by exploiting an "incidental construction feature" of the capsid and not targeting any specific feature in and of itself?