Amyloid-binding small molecules efficiently block SEVI (semen-derived enhancer of virus infection)- and semen-mediated enhancement of HIV-1 infection

J Biol Chem. 2010 Nov 12;285(46):35488-96. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M110.163659. Epub 2010 Sep 10.

Abstract

Semen was recently shown to contain amyloid fibrils formed from a self-assembling peptide fragment of the protein prostatic acid phosphatase. These amyloid fibrils, termed semen-derived enhancer of virus infection, or SEVI, have been shown to strongly enhance HIV infectivity and may play an important role in sexual transmission of HIV, making them a potential microbicide target. One novel approach to target these fibrils is the use of small molecules known to intercalate into the structure of amyloid fibrils, such as derivatives of thioflavin-T. Here, we show that the amyloid-binding small molecule BTA-EG(6) (the hexa(ethylene glycol) derivative of benzothiazole aniline) is able to bind SEVI fibrils and effectively inhibit both SEVI-mediated and semen-mediated enhancement of HIV infection. BTA-EG(6) also blocks the interactions of SEVI with HIV-1 virions and HIV-1 target cells but does not cause any inflammation or toxicity to cervical epithelial cells. These results suggest that an amyloid-binding small molecule may have utility as a microbicide, or microbicidal supplement, for HIV-1.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Benzothiazoles / chemistry
  • Benzothiazoles / metabolism
  • Benzothiazoles / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Competitive Bidding
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Flow Cytometry
  • HIV-1 / drug effects*
  • HIV-1 / physiology
  • Humans
  • Jurkat Cells
  • Kinetics
  • Male
  • Molecular Structure
  • Protein Binding
  • Semen / metabolism*
  • Thiazoles / chemistry
  • Virion / metabolism
  • Virus Attachment / drug effects

Substances

  • Amyloid
  • Benzothiazoles
  • Thiazoles
  • thioflavin T
  • benzothiazole