Participating Researchers:
Kirk R. Gustafson,
John H Cardellina II,
Richard W. Fuller,
Owen S. Weislow,
Rebecca F. Kiser,
Kenneth M. Snader,
Gregory M.L. Patterson,
Michael R. Boyd.
A recently developed tetrazolium-based microculture assay was used
to screen extracts of cultured cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) for
inhibition of the cytopathic effects of the human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV-1), which is implicated as a causative agent of AIDS.
A number of extracts were found to be remarkably active against the
AIDS virus. A new class of HIV-1-inhibitory compounds, the sulfonic
acid-containing glycolipids, was discovered through the use of the
micro-culture assay to guide the fractionation and purification
process.
The pure compounds were active against HIV-1 in cultured human
lymphoblastoid CEM, MT-2, LDV-7, and C3-44 cell lines in the
tetrazolium assay as well as in p24 viral protein and syncytium
formation assays. [J. Natl Cancer Inst 81:1254-1258, 1989]
As part of the National Cancer Institute’s program to
discover new antiturmor and antiviral agents In natural foods.
Received May 22, 1989; accepted June 2, 1989.
K. R. Gustafson, J. H. Cardellina II, R. W. Fuller, K. M. Snader, M. R.
Boyd, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment,
National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD.
O. S. Weislow, R. F. Kiser, Program Resources, Inc., NCI-Frederick
Cancer Research Facility, Frederick, MD.
G. M. L. Patterson, Department of Chemistry, University of Hawaii,
Honolulu, HI.
Correspondence to:
Dr. Michael R. Boyd
National Institutes of Health
Executive Plaza North
Room 843
Bethesda, MD 20892.
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