: a glycoprotein protruding from the outer surface of the HIV virion that has a molecular weight of 120 and must bind to a CD4 receptor on a T cell bearing such receptors before infection of the cell can occur

Examples of gp120 in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web After all, the virus cannot infect a cell without gp120 attaching itself to the CD4 signaling protein, and the immune system can and does make antibodies against individual gp120 molecules. Scientific American, 12 May 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gp120.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

glycoprotein

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gp120 was in 1985

Dictionary Entries Near gp120

Cite this Entry

“Gp120.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gp120. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

: a glycoprotein that protrudes from the outer surface of the HIV virion, that has a molecular weight of 120, and that must bind to a CD4 receptor on a T cell bearing such receptors before infection of the cell can occur
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