The visualization below is the first close up look of the doorway which most HIV strains use to enter white blood cells. Called CCR5, it inserts itself into the cell membrane and makes a hole in it.

The other is CXCR4 — which researchers had previously figured out. The CCR5 receptor is used by more strains of HIV. Knowing where they come from would help researchers figure out more effective drugs to stop them.

The study detailing the receptor was published Sept. 12 in the journal Science Express.




This image shows CCR5 side-by-side with alternate HIV co-receptor CXCR4. While the two share similar overall architecture, their binding pockets show important differences in shape and charge distribution.