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A Computational Study to Prevent HIV Invasion by Bovine LF in Mucosal-Layer via Blocking of DC-SIGN_GP120 Interaction



Invasion of HIV in human occurs through DC-SIGN’s interaction via the mucosal
lining during sexual transmission. Bovine Lactoferrin (bLF) has been known to hinder this invasion
via its interaction with DC-SIGN. Hitherto, protein assays have taken place but molecular-level
studies remain unexplored.



The 3D structures of the three proteins were studied. After protein docking (bLF_DCSIGN
and gp120_DC-SIGN), the complexes underwent simulation. Stability parameters and binding
patterns with residues were explored.



ΔG values, net area for solvent accessibilities and conformational fluctuations
in DC-SIGN affirm the binding of bLF with DC-SIGN to be more spontaneous and steadier contrary
to that with gp120. Residue participation inferred more interactions to occur from bLF complex
with a greater percentage of arginine (which strengthens the interaction) while electrostatic interaction
between Lys45 (bLF) and Glu26 (DC-SIGN) strengthened the complex. Arg37 played an active role
from DC-SIGN to form the stabilizing charged-neutral H-bond, while Lys63 from bLF formed two
more such stabilizing charged-neutral H-bond with DC-SIGN. The prime binding sites in DC-SIGN;
Arg37 and Gln34 occupy helices. The binding pockets in DC-SIGN may be blocked by bLF spontaneously,
to hinder their interaction with gp120. No ionic-ionic interaction was observed from gp120_DCSIGN
complex. 88th residue, which was a predominant residue in the binding pocket was found to experience
a conformational shift from coils to sheets after interaction of DC-SIGN with bLF. This
would instigate the pharmaceutical research as non-toxic LF would be economic as a remarkable peptide
inhibitor opposing HIV.
