Genelabs, Incorporated

University of California

Jeffrey D Lifson

Michael S McGrath

Hin-Wing Yeung

Kou M Hwang

Kuo Hwang

A method of inhibiting HIV replication in and cellular proliferation of HIV-infected cells. The infected cells are exposed to a single-chain ribosome inactivating protein, at a protein concentration and for an exposure period sufficient to produce a substantial reduction in (a) the level of HIV antigen or reverse transcriptase associated with the infected cells, (b) the ratio of viability of infected/uninfected T cells, and/or (c) the ratio of HIV antigen/cellular antigen in infected macrophages. The method is used to treat HIV infection in humans.

Method of selectively inhibiting HIV

A method of inhibiting expression of HIV antigens in human blood cells infected with HIV. The infected cells are exposed to a plant protein or glycoprotein, such as trichosanthin or momorcharin, at a concentration sufficient to (a) produce a substantial reduction in the level of HIV antigen, and (b) effect a selective reduction in the number of HIV-infected cells, with respect to uninfected cells of the same type. The method is used to treat HIV infection in humans. In another aspect, the invention includes a method of screening drug agents effective in treating HIV infection in humans.

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Menlo Park, CA, United States of America

Jeffrey D Lifson