In order to find novel therapeutic targets, researchers examine the HIV viral structure and replication process. They discover that the virus encodes a large glycoprotein that is split into the surface and transmembrane subunits. In the virion, these subunits continue to be noncovalently linked to one another. The transmembrane component undergoes conformational changes upon activation of the surface protein, revealing the functional inner core. A unique medication is created that preferentially binds and stops the transmembrane component from functioning normally, interfering with the typical viral replication cycle. This agent most likely directly inhibits which of the following viral processes?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: When gp120 binds to the CD4 receptor and a chemokine coreceptor (CXCR4, CCR5), it creates the exterior surface of the glycoprotein spike and facilitates viral attachment to the host cell . The transmembrane glycoprotein gp41, which mediates the fusion of the viral cell membrane with the host cell membrane, is revealed when gp120 binds to these host receptors. Gp41 mediates the conformational change in the structure of the glycoprotein spike that causes the viral core to enter the cell. 
As a result of preventing gp41 from going through the conformational changes required for viral fusion, medications that specifically bind gp41, such be enfuvirtide, are referred to as fusion inhibitors, which inhibits the HIV genome from entering uninfected cells.

In Order to Find Novel Therapeutic Targets, Researchers Examine the HIV