Targeting the Dimerization Interface of HIV-1 Protease:  Inhibition with Cross-Linked Interfacial Peptides

Agents have been designed and synthesized which target the dimerization interface of HIV-1 protease. These agents, which contain cross-linked peptides from the N- and C-termini of the protease, both inhibit HIV-1 protease activity and decrease the amount of protease dimer in solution as measured by size exclusion chromatography, protein crosslinking, and protease fluorescence studies. Additionally we have shown that active site-targeted agents inhibit HIV-1 protease activity but have little effect on protease dimerization. These data support the claim that inhibition with the crosslinked agents is based on a decrease in the amount of protease homodimer in solution which in turn is responsible for a decrease in the activity of the protease.