Mandelic acid condensation polymer: novel candidate microbicide for prevention of human immunodeficiency virus and herpes simplex virus entry.

Abstract

Presently marketed vaginal barrier methods are cytotoxic and damaging to the vaginal epithelium and natural vaginal flora when used frequently. Novel noncytotoxic agents are needed to protect men and women from sexually transmitted diseases. One novel candidate is a mandelic acid condensation polymer, designated SAMMA. The spectrum and mechanism of antiviral activity were explored using clinical isolates and laboratory-adapted strains of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV). SAMMA is highly effective against all CCR5 and CXCR4 isolates of HIV in primary human macrophages and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. SAMMA also inhibits infection of cervical epithelial cells by HSV. Moreover, it exhibits little or no cytotoxicity and has an excellent selectivity index. SAMMA, although not a sulfonated or sulfated polymer, blocks the binding of HIV and HSV to cells by targeting the envelope glycoproteins gp120 and gB-2, respectively, and also inhibits HSV entry postattachment. SAMMA is an excellent, structurally novel candidate microbicide that warrants further preclinical evaluation.

• Authors: B C Herold, I Scordi-Bello, N Cheshenko, D Marcellino, M Dzuzelewski, F Francois, R Morin, V Mas Casullo, R A Anderson, C Chany 2nd, D P Waller, L J D Zaneveld, M E Klotman
• Journal: Journal of virology (J Virol) Vol. 76 Issue 22 Pg. 11236-44 (Nov 2002) ISSN: 0022-538X [Print] United States
• PMID: 12388683 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• Mandelic Acids
• Polymers
• mandelic acid

Topics

• Antiviral Agents (pharmacology, toxicity)
• Cell Line
• HIV Infections (prevention & control)
• HIV-1 (drug effects, isolation & purification, pathogenicity)
• Herpes Simplex (prevention & control)
• Humans
• Leukocytes, Mononuclear (virology)
• Macrophages (virology)
• Mandelic Acids (chemistry, pharmacology, toxicity)
• Microbial Sensitivity Tests
• Polymers (pharmacology, toxicity)
• Simplexvirus (drug effects, isolation & purification, pathogenicity)