CUPRIC AND FERRIC IONS INACTIVATE HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) was inactivated by either cupric or ferric ions when the virus uas free in solution and also 3 hr after cell infection. Fifty percent inactivation of cell-free HIV was achie ved with Cu(II) at a concentration between 0.16 and 1.6 mM, or by 1.8 to 18 mM Fe(III). Thus, the dose to inactivate 50% of infectious HIV ( D-50) by Cu(II) or Fe(III) is higher than that reported for glutaralde hyde (0.1 mM): between the D-50 reported for sodium hypochlorite (1.3 mM)and sodium hydroxide (11.5 mM), and significantly lower than that r equired for HIV inactivation by ethanol (360 mM). Treatment of infecte d cells for 30 min at 20 degrees C with 6 mM Cu(II) or Fe(III) complet ely inhibited the formation of syncytia and the synthesis of virus-spe cific p24 antigen in HIV-infected cells, while still preserving cell v iability, The virucidal properties of cupric and ferric ions could be exploited for the development of novel virucidal formulations efficien t against HIV.