Aurin tricarboxylic acid, the anti-AIDS compound, prevents the binding of interferon-α to its receptor

Abstract

Binding of HIV to its receptor, the CD4 molecule of lymphocytes, can be prevented by chemical agents. These agents could be considered as potential anti-AIDS drugs. We have shown that aurin tricarboxylic acid (ATA, 3 μM) specifically blocks the binding of gp120, the HIV coat protein, to the CD4 molecule. We have also found that ATA prevents the binding of interferon-α to its receptor in a dose-dependent manner (12–50 μM range). Membrane potential shift, associated with binding of interferon-α to its receptor, was also blocked by ATA in a dose-dependent fashion. Our results indicate that potential anti-AIDS drugs should be screened for such undesired side effects.