Inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 reverse transcriptase by a novel peptide derived from the viral integrase

Arch Biochem Biophys. 2007 Feb 15;458(2):202-12. doi: 10.1016/j.abb.2006.12.007. Epub 2006 Dec 28.

Abstract

Previous studies show that the reverse transcriptase (RT) of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) and RT-derived peptides interact with and inhibit the viral integrase (IN). In the present study, we have performed the complementary study by screening a complete library of HIV-1 IN-derived peptides for their effects on the RT. We have identified a 20-residues long peptide, derived from the IN (residues 46-65) that binds the RT and inhibits its DNA-polymerase activities (without affecting the ribonuclease-H activity). The full 20-residues sequence is required for maximal inhibition. This inhibition is non-competitive and probably results from obstructing the formation of RT-DNA complexes by the peptide. The data and the molecular docking model presented suggest that this inhibition is probably caused by a steric hindrance or conformational changes of the RT. These results can facilitate the development of novel and specific peptide-based HIV-1 RT inhibitors that might help in the fight against AIDS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • DNA / metabolism
  • HIV Integrase / chemistry*
  • HIV Integrase / metabolism
  • HIV Reverse Transcriptase / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • HIV Reverse Transcriptase / chemistry
  • HIV Reverse Transcriptase / metabolism
  • HIV-1 / enzymology*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Peptide Fragments / metabolism*
  • Peptide Fragments / pharmacology*
  • Peptide Library
  • Protein Conformation
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors / metabolism
  • Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Peptide Fragments
  • Peptide Library
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
  • DNA
  • HIV Integrase
  • HIV Reverse Transcriptase