HIV gp120 and T-Cell Helper Binding: Understanding the Mechanism

The portion of HIV that binds to the T-cell helper is called the gp120 glycoprotein. This glycoprotein is located on the surface of the HIV virus and is responsible for binding to the CD4 receptor on the T-cell helper. Once the virus has bound to the T-cell helper, it can then enter the cell and begin to replicate.