Triterpene derivatives that block entry of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 into cells.

Mayaux, J F; Bousseau, A; Pauwels, R; Huet, T; Hénin, Y; Dereu, N; Evers, M; Soler, F et al. · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 1994

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

A series of triterpene compounds characterized by a stringent structure-activity relationship were identified as potent and selective inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication. Currently studied botulinic derivatives have 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) against HIV-1 strain IIIB/LAI in the 10 nM range in several cellular infection assays but are inactive against HIV-2. These compounds did not significantly inhibit the in vitro activities of several purified HIV-1 enzymes. Rather, they appeared to block virus infection at a postbinding, envelope-dependent step involved in the fusion of the virus to the cell membrane.

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