Glutathione inhibits HIV replication by acting at late stages of the virus life cycle. NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1997. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Click here to return to AIDSLINE main menu
DonateNow
Print this Article


Glutathione inhibits HIV replication by acting at late stages of the virus life cycle.

AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 1996 Nov 1;12(16):1537-41. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/97068251
Palamara AT; Perno CF; Aquaro S; Bue MC; Dini L; Garaci E; Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences,; University of Rome, Italy.

Abstract: We investigated the effect of glutathione on the replication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in chronically infected macrophages, a known reservoir of the virus in the body. We found that exogenous GSH strongly suppresses the production of p24gag protein as well as the virus infectivity. This is related to a dramatic decrease in both budding and release of virus particles from chronically infected cells (either macrophages or lymphocytes), together with a selective decrease in the expression of gp120, the major envelope glycoprotein, rich in intrachain disulfide bonds and thus potentially sensitive to the effect of a reducing agent such as GSH. Overall data suggest that GSH can interfere with late stages of virus replication. This would be in agreement with data obtained in cells exposed to herpesvirus type 1 (a DNA virus) or to Sendai (an RNA virus), showing that the suppression of virus replication by GSH is related to the selective inhibition of envelope glycoproteins. These results suggest a potential role of GSH in combination with other antivirals in the treatment of virus-related diseases.
Keywords: *CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/VIROLOGY *Glutathione/PHARMACOLOGY *HIV/DRUG EFFECTS *Macrophages/VIROLOGYKWDcd4-positivet-lymphocytes/virologyKWDglutathione/pharmacologyKWDhiv/drugeffectsKWDmacrophages/virology
970530
M9751920

Copyright © 1997 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1997. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1997. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .