Molecular dynamics simulations for the structural complexes of potential HIV-1 inhibitors with the viral envelope gp120 protein were carried out. Free energies of the formation of these supramolecular structures and contributions of individual amino-acid residues of gp120 to the enthalpy binding were calculated. The residues of gp120 critical for interactions with the ligands were identified. Based on the data obtained, five compounds promising for synthesis and testing for antiviral activity were selected. It is suggested that these compounds may be successfully used in the design of novel, potent and broad anti-HIV drugs.
Proximal Glycans Outside of the Epitopes Regulate the Presentation of HIV-1 Envelope gp120 Helper Epitopes