FIG. 5.

Peptide from gp42 residues 36 to 81 inhibits epithelial and B-cell membrane fusion. Fusion assay graphs showing concentration-dependent effects of peptide 36-81 on the cell-cell fusion assay. (A) Epithelial cell fusion. (B and C) B-cell fusion. CHO cells were transfected with gH, gL, and gB (A and C) and additionally transfected with gp42 (B). (The data at the far right of graph A are for cells also transfected with gp42.) For panel C, soluble gp42 was added to trigger B-cell fusion and demonstrate efficient competition between the peptide and soluble protein. Data shown are the mean of triplicate measurements from at least three independent experiments, and error bars indicate standard deviations.