Three inhibitors of type 1 human immunodeficiency virus long terminal repeat-directed gene expression and virus replication.

Li, C J; Zhang, L J; Dezube, B J; Crumpacker, C S; Pardee, A B · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 1993

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Transcription of type 1 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) provirus is governed by the viral long terminal repeat (LTR). Drugs can block HIV-1 replication by inhibiting activity of its LTR. We report that topotecan, beta-lapachone, and curcumin are potent and selective inhibitors of HIV-1 LTR-directed gene expression, at concentrations that have minor effects on cells. At these concentrations, each drug inhibited p24 antigen production in cells either acutely or chronically infected with HIV-1. Their target is transcriptional function of the LTR.

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