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Abstract

Novel methods and compositions are provided for inhibiting interactions between human immunodeficiency viruses (HIVs) and viral coreceptors, including CXCR4 and/or CCR5 coreceptors. The anti-coreceptor binding agent includes a novel peptide portion of the gp120 envelope protein of HIV-1, as well as peptide analogs and mimetics of this peptide, that specifically binds to, or modulates activity of, the coreceptors(s). The anti-coreceptor binding agent is useful as a prophylactic or therapeutic treatment to prevent or inhibit HIV binding to a susceptible cell and thereby reduces infection and/or moderates or treats related diseases. In alternative embodiments, the peptides, analogs and mimetics are effective to inhibit direct co-receptor binding by HIV virus, coreceptor binding by HIV gp120 proteins or peptides, HIV fusion with target host cells, HIV virion entry into host cells, HIV replication, and HIV transmission between cells and hosts. In more detailed embodiments, the anti-coreceptor binding agents of the invention are multi-tropic by exhibiting activity against HIV interactions with multiple, CXCR4 and CCR5, coreceptors.

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First Claim