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Functional Complexes of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 and Renin-Angiotensin System Receptors: Expression in Adult but Not Fetal Lung Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249602. [PMID: 33339432 PMCID: PMC7766085 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a membrane peptidase and a component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) that has been found in cells of all organs, including the lungs. While ACE2 has been identified as the receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronaviruses, the mechanism underlying cell entry remains unknown. Human immunodeficiency virus infects target cells via CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4)-mediated endocytosis. Furthermore, CXCR4 interacts with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (CD26/DPPIV), an enzyme that cleaves CXCL12/SDF-1, which is the chemokine that activates this receptor. By analogy, we hypothesized that ACE2 might also be capable of interactions with RAS-associated G-protein coupled receptors. Using resonance energy transfer and cAMP and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling assays, we found that human ACE2 interacts with RAS-related receptors, namely the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R), the angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R), and the MAS1 oncogene receptor (MasR). Although these interactions lead to minor alterations of signal transduction, ligand binding to AT1R and AT2R, but not to MasR, resulted in the upregulation of ACE2 cell surface expression. Proximity ligation assays performed in situ revealed macromolecular complexes containing ACE2 and AT1R, AT2R or MasR in adult but not fetal mouse lung tissue. These findings highlight the relevance of RAS in SARS-CoV-2 infection and the role of ACE2-containing complexes as potential therapeutic targets.
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Franco R, Rivas-Santisteban R, Serrano-Marín J, Rodríguez-Pérez AI, Labandeira-García JL, Navarro G. SARS-CoV-2 as a Factor to Disbalance the Renin–Angiotensin System: A Suspect in the Case of Exacerbated IL-6 Production. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 205:1198-1206. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Zanetti G, Negro S, Megighian A, Mattarei A, Lista F, Fillo S, Rigoni M, Pirazzini M, Montecucco C. A CXCR4 receptor agonist strongly stimulates axonal regeneration after damage. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2019; 6:2395-2402. [PMID: 31725979 PMCID: PMC6917312 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.50926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To test whether the signaling axis CXCL12α‐CXCR4 is activated upon crush/cut of the sciatic nerve and to test the activity of NUCC‐390, a new CXCR4 agonist, in promoting nerve recovery from damage. Methods The sciatic nerve was either crushed or cut. Expression and localization of CXCL12α and CXCR4 were evaluated by imaging with specific antibodies. Their functional involvement in nerve regeneration was determined by antibody‐neutralization of CXCL12α, and by the CXCR4 specific antagonist AMD3100, using as quantitative read‐out the compound muscle action potential (CMAP). NUCC‐390 activity on nerve regeneration was determined by imaging and CMAP recordings. Results CXCR4 is expressed at the injury site within the axonal compartment, whilst its ligand CXCL12α is expressed in Schwann cells. The CXCL12α‐CXCR4 axis is involved in the recovery of neurotransmission of the injured nerve. More importantly, the small molecule NUCC‐390 is a strong promoter of the functional and anatomical recovery of the nerve, by acting very similarly to CXCL12α. This pharmacological action is due to the capability of NUCC‐390 to foster elongation of motor neuron axons both in vitro and in vivo. Interpretation Imaging and electrophysiological data provide novel and compelling evidence that the CXCL12α‐CXCR4 axis is involved in sciatic nerve repair after crush/cut. This makes NUCC‐390 a strong candidate molecule to stimulate nerve repair by promoting axonal elongation. We propose this molecule to be tested in other models of neuronal damage, to lay the basis for clinical trials on the efficacy of NUCC‐390 in peripheral nerve repair in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Zanetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Samuele Negro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Aram Megighian
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Mattarei
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Fillo
- Scientific Department, Army Medical Center, Roma, Italy
| | - Michela Rigoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Pirazzini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Cesare Montecucco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Padua, Italy
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Negro S, Zanetti G, Mattarei A, Valentini A, Megighian A, Tombesi G, Zugno A, Dianin V, Pirazzini M, Fillo S, Lista F, Rigoni M, Montecucco C. An Agonist of the CXCR4 Receptor Strongly Promotes Regeneration of Degenerated Motor Axon Terminals. Cells 2019; 8:E1183. [PMID: 31575088 PMCID: PMC6829515 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation of the G-protein coupled receptor CXCR4 by its ligand CXCL12α is involved in a large variety of physiological and pathological processes, including the growth of B cells precursors and of motor axons, autoimmune diseases, stem cell migration, inflammation, and several neurodegenerative conditions. Recently, we demonstrated that CXCL12α potently stimulates the functional recovery of damaged neuromuscular junctions via interaction with CXCR4. This result prompted us to test the neuroregeneration activity of small molecules acting as CXCR4 agonists, endowed with better pharmacokinetics with respect to the natural ligand. We focused on NUCC-390, recently shown to activate CXCR4 in a cellular system. We designed a novel and convenient chemical synthesis of NUCC-390, which is reported here. NUCC-390 was tested for its capability to induce the regeneration of motor axon terminals completely degenerated by the presynaptic neurotoxin α-Latrotoxin. NUCC-390 was found to strongly promote the functional recovery of the neuromuscular junction, as assayed by electrophysiology and imaging. This action is CXCR4 dependent, as it is completely prevented by AMD3100, a well-characterized CXCR4 antagonist. These data make NUCC-390 a strong candidate to be tested in human therapy to promote nerve recovery of function after different forms of neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Negro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35131, Italy.
| | - Giulia Zanetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35131, Italy.
| | - Andrea Mattarei
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35131, Italy.
| | - Alice Valentini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35131, Italy.
| | - Aram Megighian
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35131, Italy.
- Padua Neuroscience Institute, Padua 35131, Italy.
| | - Giulia Tombesi
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua 35131, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Zugno
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35131, Italy.
| | - Valentina Dianin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35131, Italy.
| | - Marco Pirazzini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35131, Italy.
| | - Silvia Fillo
- Center of Medical and Veterinary Research of the Ministry of Defence, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Florigio Lista
- Center of Medical and Veterinary Research of the Ministry of Defence, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Michela Rigoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35131, Italy.
| | - Cesare Montecucco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35131, Italy.
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Padua 35131, Italy.
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Inhibition of dual/mixed tropic HIV-1 isolates by CCR5-inhibitors in primary lymphocytes and macrophages. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68076. [PMID: 23874501 PMCID: PMC3706609 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dual/mixed-tropic HIV-1 strains are predominant in a significant proportion of patients, though little information is available regarding their replication-capacity and susceptibility against CCR5-antagonists in-vitro. The aim of the study was to analyze the replication-capacity and susceptibility to maraviroc of HIV-1 clinical isolates with different tropism characteristics in primary monocyte-derived-macrophages (MDM), peripheral-blood-mononuclear-cells (PBMC), and CD4+T-lymphocytes. Methods Twenty-three HIV-1 isolates were phenotipically and genotipically characterized as R5, X4 or dual (discriminated as R5+/X4, R5/X4, R5/X4+). Phenotypic-tropism was evaluated by multiple-cycles-assay on U87MG-CD4+-CCR5+−/CXCR4+-expressing cells. Genotypic-tropism prediction was obtained using Geno2Pheno-algorithm (false-positive-rate [FPR] = 10%). Replication-capacity and susceptibility to maraviroc were investigated in human-primary MDM, PBMC and CD4+T-cells. AMD3100 was used as CXCR4-inhibitor. Infectivity of R5/Dual/X4-viruses in presence/absence of maraviroc was assessed also by total HIV-DNA, quantified by real-time polymerase-chain-reaction. Results Among 23 HIV-1 clinical isolates, phenotypic-tropism-assay distinguished 4, 17 and 2 viruses with R5-tropic, dual/mixed-, and X4-tropic characteristics, respectively. Overall, viruses defined as R5+/X4-tropic were found with the highest prevalence (10/23, 43.5%). The majority of isolates efficiently replicated in both PBMC and CD4+T-cells, regardless of their tropism, while MDM mainly sustained replication of R5- or R5+/X4-tropic isolates; strong correlation between viral-replication and genotypic-FPR-values was observed in MDM (rho = 0.710;p-value = 1.4e-4). In all primary cells, maraviroc inhibited viral-replication of isolates not only with pure R5- but also with dual/mixed tropism (mainly R5+/X4 and, to a lesser extent R5/X4 and R5/X4+). Finally, no main differences by comparing the total HIV-DNA with the p24-production in presence/absence of maraviroc were found. Conclusions Maraviroc is effective in-vitro against viruses with dual-characteristics in both MDM and lymphocytes, despite the potential X4-mediated escape. This suggests that the concept of HIV-entry through one of the two coreceptors “separately” may require revision, and that the use of CCR5-antagonists in patients with dual/mixed-tropic viruses may be a therapeutic-option that deserves further investigations in different clinical settings.
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Simontacchi M, Buet A, Lamattina L, Puntarulo S. Exposure to nitric oxide increases the nitrosyl-iron complexes content in sorghum embryonic axes. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2012; 183:159-66. [PMID: 22195589 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2011.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2011] [Revised: 08/17/2011] [Accepted: 08/18/2011] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
This work was aimed to investigate nitrosyl-Fe complexes formation by reaction of endogenous ligands and Fe, in sorghum embryonic axes exposed to NO-donors. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) was employed to detect the presence of nitrosyl-Fe complexes in plant embryos, as well as changes in labile iron pool (LIP). Nitrosyl-Fe complexes formation was detected in sorghum embryonic axes homogenates incubated in vitro in the presence of 1 mM of NO donors: diethylenetriamine NONOate (DETA NONOate), S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). In axes isolated from seeds incubated in vivo in the presence of 1 mM SNP for 24 h, the content of NO was increased by 2-fold, and the EPR spectrum from mononitrosyl-Fe complexes (MNIC) was observed with a concomitant increase in the fresh weight of sorghum axes. The simultaneous exposure to deferoxamine and the NO donor precluded the increase in fresh weight observed in the presence of excess NO. While total Fe content in the axes isolated from seeds exposed to 1mM SNP was not significantly affected as compared to control axes, the LIP was increased by over 2-fold.The data reported suggest a critical role for the generation of complexes between Fe and NO when cells faced a situation leading to a significant increase in NO content. Moreover, demonstrate the presence of MNICs as one of the important components of the LIP, which could actively participate in Fe cellular mobilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Simontacchi
- Physical Chemistry-PRALIB, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Buenos Aires (1113), Argentina
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Zídek Z, Kmonícková E, Holý A. Secretion of antiretroviral chemokines by human cells cultured with acyclic nucleoside phosphonates. Eur J Pharmacol 2007; 574:77-84. [PMID: 17716649 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2007.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2007] [Revised: 07/13/2007] [Accepted: 07/16/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Acyclic nucleoside phosphonates are novel class of clinically broadly used antivirotics effective against replication of both DNA viruses and retroviruses including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We have investigated their in vitro effects on immune defence mechanisms in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, with the main emphasis on expression of cytokines which are able to suppress the entry of HIV in cells. Included in the study were prototype acyclic nucleoside phosphonates, i.e. 9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)ethyl]adenine (PMEA; adefovir), 9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)ethyl]-2,6-diaminopurine (PMEDAP), (R)-and (S)-enantiomers of 9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]adenine [(R)-PMPA; tenofovir] and [(S)-PMPA], and of 9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]-2,6-diaminopurine [(R)-PMPDAP] and [(S)-PMPDAP], and their N(6)-substituted derivatives. Some of the compounds were found to substantially enhance secretion of chemokines such as macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-alpha/CCL3), and "regulated on activation of normal T cell expressed and secreted" (RANTES/CCL5). Secretion of MIP-1beta/CCL4 was only marginally increased, whereas production of interleukin-16 (IL-16) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) remained uninfluenced. The most effective proved to be the N(6)-cyclooctyl-PMEDAP, N(6)-isobutyl-PMEDAP, N(6)-pyrrolidino-PMEDAP, N(6)-cyclopropyl-(R)-PMPDAP, and N(6)-cyclopentyl-(R)-PMPDAP derivatives. Remarkably enhanced secretion of chemokines was reached within 2-4 h of the cell culture, and was observed at concentration of 2-5 microM. It may be suggested that acyclic nucleoside phosphonates represent a new generation of antivirotics with combined antimetabolic and therapeutically prospective immunostimulatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdenĕk Zídek
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague 4, Czech Republic.
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Borkow G, Lara HH, Lapidot A. Mutations in gp41 and gp120 of HIV-1 isolates resistant to hexa-arginine neomycin B conjugate. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2004; 312:1047-52. [PMID: 14651977 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2003.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aminoglycoside-arginine conjugates (AACs) inhibit HIV-1 replication and act as Tat antagonists. AACs compete with monoclonal antibody binding to CXCR4, compete with SDF-1alpha and HIV-1 gp120 cellular uptake, indicating that they interfere with initial steps of HIV-1 infection. We here present the selection of HIV-1 isolates resistant to hexa-arginine neomycin B conjugate (NeoR6), the most potent anti-HIV-1 AAC. We found in the NeoR6-resistant isolates the following mutations in gp120: I339T in the C3 region, S372L in the V4 region, and Q395K in the C4 region; and in gp41: S668R and F672Y in the 'heptad repeat' 2 (HR2) region. These findings strongly suggest that NeoR6 obstructs HIV-1 replication by interfering with the fusion step, dependent on both conformational changes in gp120 following CD4 and CXCR4 interaction, as well as by conformational changes in gp41 induced by HR1 and HR2 interaction. The AACs may thus represent a novel family of fusion inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gadi Borkow
- Department of Organic Chemistry, The Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100, Rehovot, Israel
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Abstract
Chemokines are a family of low molecular weight (8-10 kDa) pro-inflammatory cytokines, which bind to G-protein coupled receptors. Their primary function is chemoattraction and activation of specific leucocytes in various immuno-inflammatory responses. However, new research suggests that they are key players in cancer being involved in the neoplastic transformation of cells, promotion of aberrant angiogenesis, tumour clonal expansion and growth, passage through the extracellular matrix (ECM), intravasation into blood vessels or lymphatics and the non-random homing of tumour metastasis to specific sites. In view of the increasing significance of chemokines and their receptors in cancers of a variety of types, manipulation of this signalling pathway may be important in the development of new anticancer agents. This review provides an overview of recent research advances in this field and examines the potential therapeutic benefits future developments may bring.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Arya
- Institute of Urology and Nephrology, University College London and Royal Free Hospital London, UK.
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Zídek Z, Franková D, Holý A. Activation by 9-(R)-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]adenine of chemokine (RANTES, macrophage inflammatory protein 1alpha) and cytokine (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-10 [IL-10], IL-1beta) production. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2001; 45:3381-6. [PMID: 11709312 PMCID: PMC90841 DOI: 10.1128/aac.45.12.3381-3386.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of a novel group of antiviral agents, acyclic nucleoside phosphonates, has provided a new perspective for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. One of the compounds, 9-(R)-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]adenine (PMPA) (tenofovir), has been shown to confer complete protection against AIDS in a simian model of the infection. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the antiviral efficacy of PMPA, which depends mainly on inhibition of virus-induced DNA polymerase or of reverse transcriptase, could be contributed by immunomodulatory potential of this drug. We screened for its ability to activate production of cytokines and chemokines that are known to interfere with the replication and/or the entry of HIV in cells. Using the in vitro test system of mouse macrophages and lymphocytes, it has been found that PMPA stimulates macrophage secretion of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Production of the chemokines RANTES and macrophage inflammatory protein 1alpha was activated in both macrophages and lymphocytes, and also in human cell line U937. Other cytokines--i.e., IL-2, IL-12, IL-13, and gamma interferon-remained uninfluenced by PMPA. The cytokines were stimulated in a dose-dependent fashion, with rapid onset, and peak concentrations were achieved within 5 to 24 h. The findings contribute to a more complex understanding of mechanisms of antiviral effectiveness of PMPA and support the view that this drug could become a promising candidate for therapeutic exploitation in anti-HIV preventive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Zídek
- Institute of Pharmacology, Academy of Sciences of The Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Rusconi S, La Seta Catamancio S, Citterio P, Bulgheroni E, Croce F, Herrmann SH, Offord RE, Galli M, Hirsch MS. Combination of CCR5 and CXCR4 inhibitors in therapy of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection: in vitro studies of mixed virus infections. J Virol 2000; 74:9328-32. [PMID: 10982382 PMCID: PMC102134 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.74.19.9328-9332.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the combined anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) effects of a derivative of stroma-derived factor 1beta (SDF-1beta), Met-SDF-1beta, and a modified form of RANTES, aminooxypentane (AOP)-RANTES. The antiviral agents were tested singly or in combination at 95 and 99% virus inhibitory concentrations. Clinical R5 and X4 HIV-1 isolates were used. AOP-RANTES inhibited R5 but not X4 viruses, whereas Met-SDF-1beta had the opposite effect. Combinations of these compounds inhibited mixed infections with R5 and X4 viruses (95 to 99%), whereas single drugs were less inhibitory (32 to 61%). Combinations of R5 and X4 inhibitors are promising and deserve further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Rusconi
- Istituto di Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, Università di Milano, Ospedale Luigi Sacco, Milan, Italy.
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