PEPTIDES INHIBITORS OF HIV INDUCED CELL FUSIONS AND SYNCYTIA FORMATION

摘要

Novel peptide sequences capable of inhibiting HIV-induced cell fusion are described. These peptides mimic regions within a hydrophobic domain located at the amino terminus of the transmembrane protein of the HIV envelope. Such sequences include the amino terminus of gp41 of HIV-1 and the amino terminus of gp40 of HIV-2. The peptides are at least two amino acids in length and can be used for the inhibition of HIV-induced fusion and syncytia formation which is a major cytopathological effect of HIV-infection in vivo.