The researchers also discovered a hinge in the middle of the MPER permitting segmental flexibility, an important feature in facilitating fusion of the virus with the human host immune cells.

• 研究人员也发现在MPER的中部有一个铰链区，使该部分具有一定的柔性，这也是促进病毒与人类宿主免疫细胞融合的一个重要特征。