INHIBITION OF ENTRY OF HIV INTO CELLS BY POLY(A)CENTER-DOT-POLY(U)

Polyadenylic-polyuridylic acid referred to as poly(A).poly(U), is a sy nthetic double-stranded RNA that has been shown to manifest both antit umoral and immunodulatory activities. Previously, we have reported tha t poly(A).poly(U) inhibits HIV infection in cell cultures. Here we pro vide direct evidence to demonstrate that the inhibitory action of poly (A).poly(U) is through its capacity to prevent entry of HIV particles into CD4-positive T lymphocytes. Such inhibition of HPV entry is also observed in the case of other polyanions such as heparin, dextran sulf ate, and poly(I).poly(C). The mechanism of inhibition appears to occur postbinding of HIV particles to the CD4 receptor molecules, because t he binding of the external envelope glycoprotein of HIV-1 (gp120) is n ot affected significantly in the presence of poly(A).poly(U) or other polyanions. These results confirm the potential of poly(A).poly(U) as an antiviral drug against HIV infection.