Anti-HIV Activity of Multibranched Peptide Constructs Derived Either from the Cleavage Sequence or from the Transmembrane Domain (gp41) of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Envelope

Multibranched peptides (SPCs) derived either from the fusion protein (gp41) sequence or from the cleavage sequence of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope were chemically synthesized and tested for their ability to inhibit both syncytium formation and HIV production in CD4+ cells. The gp41-derived SPCs had no effect. In contrast, an SPC encompassing the envelope cleavage sites strongly inhibited both HIV Env-induced syncytium formation and viral production.