P24 capsid protein

The HIV capsid consists of roughly 2000 copies of the p24 protein. The p24 structure is shown in two representations: cartoon (top) and isosurface (bottom)

p24 is a component of the HIV particle capsid. There are approximately 2000 molecules per virus particle, or at a molecule weight of 24 kDa, about 10⁴ virus particles per picogram of p24. The onset of symptoms of AIDS correlates with a reduction in the number of CD4+ T cells and increased levels of virus and p24 in the blood.^[1] It is a component of the gag polyprotein.

Fourth-generation HIV test[]

Fourth-generation HIV immunoassays detect viral p24 protein in the blood (as well as patient antibodies against the virus). Previous generation tests relied on detecting patient antibodies alone; it takes about 3–4 weeks for the earliest antibodies to be detected. The p24 protein can be detected in patient blood as early as 2 weeks after HIV infection, further reducing the window period necessary to accurately detect the HIV status of the patient.^[2]

References[]

^ Medical Microbiology, p637
^ http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite.jsp?page=kb-02-02-01^{[dead link]}

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[1] Medical Microbiology, p637

[2] ttp://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite.jsp?page=kb-02-02-01^{[dead link]}

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[2]

P24 capsid protein

Fourth-generation HIV test[]

See also[]

References[]