Abstract: In this paper, we report the first computational study of the clinically relevant
E35D mutation of HIV-1
protease in its unbound conformation and complexed with the clinical inhibitor amprenavir and a sample substrate (Thr-Ile-Met-Met-Gln-Arg).
Abstract: One possible explanation for the emergence of this mutation, despite its unfavorable effect on substrate affinity, might be the role of
E35D as an escape mutation, which favors escape from the immune system in addition to conferring drug resistance.
Abstract: Our data, collected from 10 ns molecular-dynamics simulations, show that the
E35D mutation results in an increased flexibility of the flaps, thereby affecting the conformational equilibrium between the closed and semi-open conformations of the free
protease.