The human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoproteins interact with receptors on the target cell and mediate virus entry by fusing the viral and cell membranes. The structure of the envelope glycoproteins has evolved to fulfill these functions while evading the neutralizing antibody response. An understanding of the viral strategies for immune evasion should guide attempts to improve the immunogenicity of the HIV-1envelope glycoproteins and, ultimately, aid in HIV-1vaccine development.