Synthetic HIV-1 protease peptides of amino acids 45-55, 90-99 and 60-70 - either inhibiting or stimulating HIV reverse transcriptase; useful in treatment of HIV-1 or SIV infections

摘要

A synthetic peptide substantially including amino acids 45-55, 90-99 or 60-70 of the HIV-1-protease sequence is claimed. Also claimed is an agent for the treatment of HIV or SIV infections comprising a HIV protease not showing protease activity (PR) for HIV1-reverse transcriptase (RT) but stimulating or inhibiting it. More specifically the active centre of the protease is destroyed by mutation or deletion, or the deriv. is a protease shortened at the C- terminus by 2 amino acids. USE/ADVANTAGE - The agents are used for the treatment of HIV or SIV infections. Compared to known treatment using e.g. nucleotide analogues, the new peptides do not interfere with normal cell function.