Enfuvirtide is a 36 amino acid peptide corresponding to a region of gp41, the transmembrane subunit of HIV-1 envelope protein. It belongs to the therapeutic class of fusion inhibitors and acts by binding to gp41 and impeding the conformational changes in gp41 necessary for fusion of the virus with the cell.
CAT No: 10-101-14
CAS No:159519-65-0
Synonyms/Alias:T20; Pentafuside; Enfuvirtide; Fuzeon; DP178; DP-178; DP 178; HSDB 7341; HSDB7341; T-20; T 20
Chemical Name:(4S)-4-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S,3S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S,3S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S,3R)-2-[[(2S)-2-acetamido-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxybutanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxypropanoyl]amino]-4-methylpentanoyl]amino]-3-methylpentanoyl]amino]-3-(1H-imidazol-5-yl)propanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxypropanoyl]amino]-4-methylpentanoyl]amino]-3-methylpentanoyl]amino]-4-carboxybutanoyl]amino]-4-carboxybutanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxypropanoyl]amino]-5-amino-5-oxopentanoyl]amino]-4-amino-4-oxobutanoyl]amino]-5-amino-5-oxopentanoyl]amino]-5-amino-5-oxopentanoyl]amino]-5-[[(2S)-6-amino-1-[[(2S)-4-amino-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-5-amino-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-6-amino-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-4-amino-1-[[(2S)-1-[[(2S)-1-amino-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl]amino]-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl]amino]-1,4-dioxobutan-2-yl]amino]-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl]amino]-4-methyl-1-oxopentan-2-yl]amino]-3-hydroxy-1-oxopropan-2-yl]amino]-1-oxopropan-2-yl]amino]-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl]amino]-1-oxohexan-2-yl]amino]-3-carboxy-1-oxopropan-2-yl]amino]-4-methyl-1-oxopentan-2-yl]amino]-4-carboxy-1-oxobutan-2-yl]amino]-4-methyl-1-oxopentan-2-yl]amino]-4-methyl-1-oxopentan-2-yl]amino]-4-carboxy-1-oxobutan-2-yl]amino]-1,5-dioxopentan-2-yl]amino]-4-carboxy-1-oxobutan-2-yl]amino]-1,4-dioxobutan-2-yl]amino]-1-oxohexan-2-yl]amino]-5-oxopentanoic acid
Enfuvirtide is a synthetic peptide compound that functions as an HIV-1 fusion inhibitor, distinguished by its unique mechanism of action targeting viral entry processes. As a 36-amino acid peptide, it mimics a segment of the HIV-1 gp41 envelope glycoprotein, thereby interfering with the conformational changes necessary for viral fusion with host cell membranes. Its well-characterized molecular structure and specific interaction with viral proteins have rendered it a valuable tool in virology, peptide-based inhibitor research, and mechanistic studies of viral entry. The compound's high specificity and defined biochemical activity have made it a focal point in both fundamental and applied research related to viral pathogenesis, membrane fusion, and peptide drug development.
Antiviral Mechanism Studies: Enfuvirtide is widely utilized in research exploring the molecular mechanisms of HIV-1 entry inhibition. By binding to the HR1 region of gp41, it prevents the formation of the six-helix bundle essential for membrane fusion, thereby blocking viral entry into host cells. Detailed in vitro assays using this peptide enable researchers to dissect the precise steps of viral fusion and to map critical interactions within the fusion machinery, providing insights that inform the broader field of viral entry inhibitors.
Peptide-Protein Interaction Analysis: The compound serves as a model system for studying peptide-protein interactions, particularly those involving membrane-bound viral proteins. Its sequence and structure allow for systematic evaluation of binding affinities, conformational dynamics, and the impact of residue substitutions on inhibitory potency. Such studies contribute to the understanding of how synthetic peptides can modulate protein function, which is essential for the rational design of next-generation peptide therapeutics and inhibitors.
Resistance Mechanism Investigation: Enfuvirtide is frequently employed in laboratory models to investigate the emergence of resistance mutations in HIV-1. By exposing viral cultures to the peptide, researchers can select for and characterize mutations in gp41 that confer reduced susceptibility. These studies elucidate the molecular basis of resistance, inform surveillance of viral evolution, and guide the development of more robust fusion inhibitors with improved resistance profiles.
Peptide Synthesis and Optimization Research: As a well-characterized fusion inhibitor, this peptide is used as a template in the design and synthesis of novel analogs and derivatives. Researchers leverage its sequence to explore structure-activity relationships, optimize pharmacokinetic properties, and enhance inhibitory activity. Such efforts are central to advancing the field of peptide-based drug discovery and to expanding the repertoire of molecules targeting viral fusion processes.
Membrane Fusion Model Systems: Beyond its direct antiviral relevance, enfuvirtide is employed in biophysical and biochemical studies as a tool to model protein-mediated membrane fusion events. Its ability to modulate the fusion process makes it valuable for dissecting the energetics and kinetics of membrane remodeling, contributing to a deeper understanding of fundamental cellular processes such as vesicle trafficking and viral-host interactions. These model systems support the broader application of peptide inhibitors in studying membrane biology and protein conformational changes.
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