The GP120 molecule of HIV-1 and its interaction with T cells.

The gp120 molecule of HIV-1 is a glycoprotein that is part of the outer layer of the virus. It presents itself as viral membrane spikes consisting of 3 molecules of gp120 linked together and anchored to the membrane by gp41 protein. Gp120 is essential for viral infection as it facilitates HIV entry into the host cell and this is its best-known and most researched role in HIV infection.

Immune responses to HIV Gp120 that facilitate viral escape.

The gp160 complex of the envelope of the HIV virus and its component gp120 are essential for viral entry into the host cell. Gp120 binding to its receptor CD4 and co-receptor, CXCR4 or CCR5 is required for fusion of viral and cellular membranes. The presence of gp120 facilitates immune escape of the virus through its profound effect on the immune cells.

Novel nanocomposites from spider silk-silica fusion (chimeric) proteins.

Silica skeletal architectures in diatoms are characterized by remarkable morphological and nanostructural details. Silk proteins from spiders and silkworms form strong and intricate self-assembling fibrous biomaterials in nature. We combined the features of silk with biosilica through the design, synthesis, and characterization of a novel family of chimeric proteins for subsequent use in model materials forming reactions.