We have found that several dye compounds have the ability to inhibit the binding of HIV rgp120 to the Leu3a epitope of CD4 on PBL. One of these compounds, selected for further testing as the best candidate, can inhibit the growth of HIV in vitro. The tested dyes have varying degrees of specificity and efficacy in inhibiting the binding of rgp120. These results may point towards compounds that can be useful therapeutics against HIV.