In their research article -- A molecular tweezer antagonizes seminal amyloids and HIV infection-- Lump and Castellano et al. highlight an unprecedented potential “molecular tweezer” called CLR01 that blocks HIV and other sexually transmitted viruses and also breaks up proteins in semen that boost infection. The findings are published in the journal eLife.
The antiviral activity of CLR01 is based on the way it selectively interacts with and destroys the viral membrane. Remarkably, CLR01 does not affect other cell membranes, suggesting it could be safely incorporated into a vaginal or anal gel to prevent HIV infection – without the risk of side effects.
“We think that CLR01 could be more effective than other microbicides that are in development because of its dual action, its safety in terms of side effects and its potential broad application,” says Professor James Shorter from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
Examples of media coverage featuring the research can be found below:
