Analogues of N-terminal truncated synthetic peptide fragments derived from RANTES inhibit HIV-1 infectivity

A series of synthetic peptide fragments derived from RANTES were designed, synthesized, and evaluated to determine the effect of N-terminal truncation on the ability of the lead compound Ac[Ala10,11]RANTES-(1-14)NH2 to inhibit HIV-1 infectivity. Both the lead compound and the truncated analogue Ac[Ala10,11]RANTES-(3-14)NH2 were able to significantly inhibit HIV-1 infectivity. These results suggest that a small synthetic peptide may be able to mimic RANTES and have the ability to prevent transmission of HIV-1.