METHODS FOR SCREENING FOR ANTI-RETROVIRAL AGENTS

摘要

Human retroviral LTR (e.g., anti-HIV) agent screening methods preferably using stable, genetically engineered human glial and macrophage cell lines that have integrated in their genomes, a gene whose product is easily assayed (such as the bacterial acetyl transferase reporter gene, CAT) under the regulatory control of the retroviral LTR. The expression of the reporter gene is governed substantially only by the LTR itself and by factors normally present in the cells, which are normal hosts to infecting virus independent of any other viral gene segment or viral gene product. Such methods may be used to screen pure compounds or complex mixtures of compounds for ability to block the expression of the LTR and hence to block virus gene expression and replication. Anti-AIDS LTR pharmacological agents of Dolichandrane spathacea, Rheum officinale, Cassia angustifolia and Aloe barbadensis and human treatment methods using such agents.