A Small-Molecule Cd4-Mimetic Compound Protects Bone Marrow-Liver-Thymus Humanized Mice From Hiv-1 Infection

Background. Small-molecule CD4-mimetic compounds (CD4mc) inhibit human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) entry by blocking binding to the CD4 receptor and by premature triggering of the viral envelope glycoprotein (Env) spike.Methods. The efficacy of a CD4mc in protecting bone marrow-liver-thymus (BLT) humanized mice from vaginal HIV-1 challenge was evaluated.Results. Intravaginal application of the CD4mc JP-III-48, either before or simultaneously with virus challenge, protected BLT humanized mice from HIV-1 JR-CSF infection in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusion. The direct antiviral effects of a CD4mc prevent HIV-1 infection in a murine model of sexual transmission.