Molecular structure of HIV’s protein coat determined

BBC : A protein-based structure known as the capsid forms the inner shell of a virus. Although the HIV capsid was known to be generally conical, its large size and lack of symmetry and uniformity have made it difficult to determine its exact construction. Now, Peijun Zhang of the University of Pittsburgh and her colleagues have used advanced imaging techniques and a supercomputer to reconstruct the pattern of the 1300 proteins in the shell. Having a clear view of the capsid’s structure may provide clues to how HIV behaves, and how to develop drugs to target the virus. Most drugs currently concentrate on HIV’s enzyme production, but the virus can mutate quickly. A drug that causes the capsid to come apart before it is supposed to will be harder for the virus to adapt to.