Distinct conformational states of HIV-1 gp41 are recognized by neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibodies

A number of antibodies against the membrane-proximal region of HIV-1 gp41 cannot neutralize the virus, despite their high affinity. Now binding studies along with a crystal structure indicate that these non-neutralizing antibodies recognize gp41 in a post-fusion conformation. HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp41 undergoes large conformational changes to drive fusion of viral and target cell membranes, adopting at least three distinct conformations during the viral entry process. Neutralizing antibodies against gp41 block HIV-1 infection by targeting gp41′s membrane-proximal external region in a fusion-intermediate state. Here we report biochemical and structural evidence that non-neutralizing antibodies, capable of binding with high affinity to an immunodominant segment adjacent to the neutralizing epitopes in the membrane-proximal region, recognize a gp41 conformation that exists only when membrane fusion is complete. We propose that these non-neutralizing antibodies are induced in HIV-1–infected individuals by gp41 in a triggered, postfusion form and contribute to production of ineffective humoral responses. These results have important implications for gp41-based vaccine design.