M48U1 CD4 mimetic has a sustained inhibitory effect on cell-associated HIV-1 by attenuating virion infectivity through gp120 shedding

Abstract

Abstract Background HIV-1 infected cells can establish new infections by crossing the vaginal epithelia and subsequently producing virus in a milieu that avoids the high microbicide concentrations of the vaginal lumen. Findings To address this problem, here, we report that pretreatment of HIV-infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with a 27 amino acid CD4-mimetic, M48U1, causes dramatic and prolonged reduction of infectious virus output, due to its induction of gp120 shedding. Conclusions M48U1 may, therefore, be valuable for prophylaxis of mucosal HIV-1 transmission.

Keywords

• HIV
• Entry
• CD4 binding site
• gp120
• Shedding
• Inhibition