Primate lentivirus envelope glycoproteins

Patent Granted Many viruses (e.g. influenza and many animal viruses) have viral envelopes covering their protective protein capsids.[1] The envelopes typically are derived from portions of the host cell membranes (phospholipids and proteins), but include some viral glycoproteins. Functionally, viral envelopes are essential for entry into host cells. They may help viruses avoid the host immune system. Glycoproteins on the surface of the envelope serve to identify and bind to receptor sites on the host's membrane.