Quantitative Studies of Binding Between Synthetic Galactosyl Ceramide Analogues and HIV-1 Gp120 at Planar Membrane Surfaces

A critical spacer arm length necessary to promote efficient binding of the HIV-1 surface glycoprotein rgp120 to several synthetic galactosyl-conjugated lipids, reconstituted into planar lipid bilayers, was identified. This should aid the design of anti-HIV-1 agents based on membrane-tethered, carbohydrate-based receptors for gp120.