A NOVEL MECHANISM FOR HIV-1 ENTRY INTO HOST CELLS AND PEPTIDES INHIBITING THIS MECHANISM

摘要

This invention relates to the finding that TAT interacts with gp120 at the cell surface and enhances HIV-1 entry into host cells. This invention also discloses modulators of this interaction, particularly peptides that mimic the region of gp120 involved in this interaction. These peptides interfere with TAT-mediated enhancement of infection regardless of virus strain, and are therefore suitable for the development in general of broad-range drugs against AIDS and other infectious diseases induced by HIV-1 related pathogens, and specifically for a class of chemicals active in the reduction or abrogation of virus and infectivity spreading.