Enfuvirtide inhibits HIV entry into host cells by binding to which viral structure?
- A gp120 of the viral envelope
- B The V3 loop of gp120
- C The heptad repeat region of gp41 ✓
- D The viral capsid protein p24
Correct answer: C. The heptad repeat region of gp41
Explanation
Enfuvirtide is a 36-amino-acid peptide mimicking the heptad repeat region of gp41. It binds gp41 and prevents the conformational change needed to form the six-helix bundle that draws viral and cellular membranes together, blocking fusion. It does not bind gp120, which distinguishes it from attachment inhibitors acting upstream.
Reference: Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 16th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.