HIV envelope glycoprotein gp120

Patent Pending Envelope glycoprotein GP120 (or gp120) is a glycoprotein exposed on the surface of the HIV envelope. The 120 in its name comes from its molecular weight of 120 kDa. Gp120 is essential for virus entry into cells as it plays a vital role in attachment to specific cell surface receptors. These receptors are DC-SIGN,[1] Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan[2] and a specific interaction with the CD4 receptor,[3] particularly on helper T-cells.