HIV-1 Env gp41 Transmembrane Domain Dynamics are Modulated by Lipid, Water, and Ion Interactions

Abstract

AbstractThe gp41 transmembrane domain (TMD) of the envelope glycoprotein (Env) of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) modulates the conformation of the viral envelope spike, the only druggable target on the surface of the virion. Understanding of TMD dynamics is needed to better probe and target Env with small molecule and antibody therapies. However, little is known about TMD dynamics due to difficulties in describing native membrane properties. Here, we performed atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of a trimeric, prefusion TMD in a model, asymmetric viral membrane that mimics the native viral envelope. We found that water and chloride ions permeated the membrane and interacted with the highly conserved arginine bundle, (R696)3, at the center of the membrane and influenced TMD stability by creating a network of hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions. We propose that this (R696)3- water - anion network plays an important role in viral fusion with the host cell by modulating protein conformational changes within the membrane. Additionally, R683 and R707 at the exofacial and cytofacial membrane-water interfaces, respectively, are anchored in the lipid headgroup region and serve as a junction point for stabilization of the termini. The membrane thins as a result of the tilting of the TMD trimer, with nearby lipids increasing in volume, leading to an entropic driving force for TMD conformational change. These results provide additional detail and perspective on the influence of certain lipid types on TMD dynamics and rationale for targeting key residues of the TMD for therapeutic design. These insights into the molecular details of TMD membrane anchoring will build towards a greater understanding of dynamics that lead to viral fusion with the host cell.