First-ever biologically authentic computer model was completed of the HIV-1 virus liposome. Key finding from the simulations is the formation of sphingomyelin and cholesterol rich microdomains. HIV-1 is known to preferentially bud from regions of the host cell membrane where these constituents are in high abundance. Scientists are hopeful this basic research into viral envelopes can help efforts to develop new HIV-1 therapeutics, as well as laying a foundation for study of other enveloped viruses such as the novel coronavirus.