Targeting the Viral Nucleocapsid Protein in Anti-HIV-1 Therapy

Yves      Mely; Hugues   de   Rocquigny; Volodymyr      Shvadchak; Sergiy      Avilov; Chang   Zhi   Dong; Ursula      Dietrich; Jean-Luc      Darlix

Abstract

The nucleocapsid protein (NC) plays seminal roles in HIV replication, thus representing a major drug target. NC functions rely on its two zinc-fingers and flanking basic residues. Zinc ejectors inhibit NC functions, but with limited specificity. New classes of molecules competing with NC or its viral nucleic acid and enzyme partners are reviewed here.

Keywords: NCp7, zinc ejector, library, HIV, structure, peptidomimetic, aptamer, intercalator