HIV-1 virions interact with host-cell receptors via the trimeric envelope glycoprotein (Env) consisting of gp120 and gp41 polypeptides. Single-particle cryo-EM is now used to reconstruct the structure of membrane-bound Env trimer in its unliganded state, revealing a cage-like architecture and allowing the identification of interprotomer contacts.
- Youdong Mao
- Liping Wang
- Joseph Sodroski
