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Experimental compounds shown to be effective in blocking HIV replication

Experimental compounds shown to be effective in blocking HIV replication

Researchers at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey have identified four new compounds--called polyamide nucleotide analogs--that have been shown effective in preventing HIV from replicating. The compounds interfere with HIV's Tat protein and its transactive responsive element (TAR)--which together form a looplike chain that plays a key role in converting HIV RNA into cellular DNA--at four different points along the genetic structures of the viral particles. This prevents the loops from forming and effectively short-circuits the replication process. Two of the four compounds were shown to be 99% effective in preventing HIV replication in infected cell cultures. Additional tests are planned, but the researchers are hopeful that their discovery will pave the way for a new class of anti-HIV medications aimed at disabling the Tat-TAR interactions.

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