In vitro anti-HIV activity of a Chinese fungus extract.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the inhibitory effect of the mycelium extract from a Chinese fungus (M1) on HIV-1 and its mode of action.


METHODS
Several in vitro methods including time of action, time of addition and PCR were used to test the mode of action of M1.


RESULTS
M1 inhibited acute HIV infection in vitro and was effective when it was added 12 h after infection. PCR analysis of infected cells demonstrated that M1 delayed the appearance of late product of reverse transcription and HIV was blocked before its RNA expression.


CONCLUSIONS
The target of M1 is post-integration of proviral DNA.
Xiang
Zi-Chun
ZC
Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing.
Jiang
Yan
Y
Guo
Shun-Xing
SX
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005658:Fungi / Q000737:chemistry*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013997:Time Factors; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000187:drug effects*
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal