Molecular interaction studies of HIV-1 matrix protein p17 and heparin: identification of the heparin-binding motif of p17 as a target for the development of multitarget antagonists.

Background: HIV-1 p17 binds heparin and heparan sulfate proteoglycans of the cell surface. Results: Heparin/p17interactionoccursthroughheparinsulfategroupsandalinearbasicmotifofp17Nterminus,alsoinvolved in p17/CXCR1 interaction. Conclusion: Targeting the basic motif inhibits p17-receptors interaction and consequent biological activities. Significance: Heparin-like molecules represent template for the development of new treatments of p17-dependent/AIDS- associated pathologies.