Anti-HIV-1 peptides derived from partial amino acid sequences of CC-Chemokine RANTES Original Research Article

Fifteen acetyl-peptide-amides with partial amino acid sequences of RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted), all Cys residues of which were substituted by Ala, were synthesized, and screened for anti-HIV-1 activity. Peptides corresponding to 1–10, 37–46, and 57–68 showed marked activity against CC-chemokine receptor 5-using HIV-1JR-CSF (% inhibition at 100 nM 69, 82, 76%, respectively). The results indicate that multiple regions, including the N-terminal part responsible for chemotactic activity, are involved in anti-HIV-1 activity of RANTES, yielding possible lead compounds for anti-HIV-1 agents.