In vitro inhibition of the replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 by beta-mercaptoethylamine (cysteamine).

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of cysteamine alone and in association with zidovudine or didanosine on the replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). More than 90% viral inhibition was obtained by 200 microM cysteamine in lymphocytes and 100 microM cysteamine in macrophages against 4 primary isolates and 2 laboratory strains of HIV-1. Polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that cysteamine interferes with early steps of HIV-1 replication, before proviral DNA formation. The use of cysteamine in conjunction with zidovudine or didanosine brought about an additive antiviral effect without concomitant increases in toxicity. The concentrations of cysteamine that are effective against HIV-1 in vitro have been well tolerated over long periods by patients under treatment for cystinosis, an inherited disorder. These observations suggest that cysteamine alone or in combination with zidovudine or didanosine could be a new potential treatment of HIV-1 infection.

• Authors: A Bergamini, L Ventura, G Mancino, M Capozzi, R Placido, A Salanitro, L Cappannoli, E Faggioli, A Stoler, G Rocchi
• Journal: The Journal of infectious diseases (J Infect Dis) Vol. 174 Issue 1 Pg. 214-8 (Jul 1996) ISSN: 0022-1899 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8655998 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• DNA, Viral
• HIV Core Protein p24
• Zidovudine
• Cysteamine
• Didanosine

Topics

• Antiviral Agents (pharmacology)
• Cell Death (drug effects)
• Cells, Cultured (drug effects, virology)
• Cysteamine (pharmacology)
• DNA, Viral (drug effects)
• Didanosine (pharmacology)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• HIV Core Protein p24 (biosynthesis, drug effects)
• HIV-1 (drug effects)
• Humans
• Macrophages (drug effects, virology)
• Monocytes (drug effects, virology)
• Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Zidovudine (pharmacology)