Open AccessMandelic Acid Condensation Polymer: Novel Candidate Microbicide for Prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Herpes Simplex Virus Entry
Author(s) -
Betsy C. Herold,
Irini Scordi-Bello,
Natalia Cheshenko,
Daniel Marcellino,
M. Dzuzelewski,
Fleur François,
Renaud Morin,
Veronica Mas Casullo,
Robin L. Anderson,
Calvin J. Chany,
Donald P. Waller,
L. J. D. Zaneveld,
Mary E. Klotman
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.617
H-Index - 292
eISSN - 1070-6321
pISSN - 0022-538X
DOI - 10.1128/jvi.76.22.11236-11244.2002
Subject(s) - microbicide , microbicides for sexually transmitted diseases , herpes simplex virus , virology , biology , vaginal flora , virus , immunology , microbiology and biotechnology , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , medicine , population , bacterial vaginosis , environmental health , health services
Presently marketed vaginal barrier methods are cytotoxic and damaging to the vaginal epithelium and natural vaginal flora when used frequently. Novel noncytotoxic agents are needed to protect men and women from sexually transmitted diseases. One novel candidate is a mandelic acid condensation polymer, designated SAMMA. The spectrum and mechanism of antiviral activity were explored using clinical isolates and laboratory-adapted strains of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV). SAMMA is highly effective against all CCR5 and CXCR4 isolates of HIV in primary human macrophages and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. SAMMA also inhibits infection of cervical epithelial cells by HSV. Moreover, it exhibits little or no cytotoxicity and has an excellent selectivity index. SAMMA, although not a sulfonated or sulfated polymer, blocks the binding of HIV and HSV to cells by targeting the envelope glycoproteins gp120 and gB-2, respectively, and also inhibits HSV entry postattachment. SAMMA is an excellent, structurally novel candidate microbicide that warrants further preclinical evaluation.