Inhibition of HIV-1 subtype C by 2’F-RNA aptamers isolated against enveloped pseudovirus

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus type-I (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein (Env) mediates the first step of entry and represents an attractive target . However, the genetic diversity of Env among HIV-1 subtypes poses a challenge. Although evidence suggest that entry inhibitors in clinical use have comparable efficacy against HIV-1 subtypes, but a subset of anti-Env are resistant to HIV-1 subtype C which is the most globally prevalent virus. In a view to prevent infection of HIV-1 subtype C, we isolated nucleic acids ligands aptamers against HIV-1 subtype C Env pseudovirion and tested their efficacy.