Retrocyclin-2: structural analysis of a potent anti-HIV [theta]-defensin

The tertiary structure of retrocyclin-2 is determined in a membrane-mimicking environment and a well-defined [beta]-hairpin structure is present in the presence of SDS micelles. The ability to self-associate has contributed to the high-affinity binding of retrocyclins for glycoproteins by increasing the valency and increasing the ability of retrocyclins to cross-link cell surface glycoproteins.