Soluble analogs of GalCer and suramin as potential inhibitors of HIV-1 infection: Key role of self-association

Lesions observed in the brain and intestine of HIV-infected individuals may stem from a direct infection of CD4(-)/GalCer(+) cells by the virus within these two organs. HIV-infection of such cells may also facilitate entry of the virus through the intestinal mucosa. Apart from treatment with conventional anti-viral agents, the use of drugs that block interactions between the virus and CD4(-)/GalCer(+) cells represents a promising therapeutic strategy in the fight against AIDS. We present here two families of compounds with such activity, namely soluble analogs of GalCer and a family of suramin analogs. The role of self-association is discussed.