Study of the inhibition capacity of an 18-mer peptide domain of GBV-C virus on gp41-FP HIV-1 activity

► A peptide sequence of E2 GBV-C (P59) decreases the surface activity of gp41 HIV-1. ► P59 modifies gp41 penetration into lipid monolayers. ► P59 decreases the binding of gp41 HIV-1 to anionic lipid bilayers. ► AFM of a mixture P59/gp41 shows annular structures of about 200 nm of diameter.