Abstract: Methods and compositions containing a phorbol ester or a derivative of a phorbol ester are provided for the treatment of cytopathic diseases. Cytopathic diseases may be caused by a variety means such as viral infections like HIV and AIDS in a mammalian subject. The methods and compositions of the invention are effective for inhibiting de novo HIV infection, upregulating viral expression from latent provirus, inhibiting HIV-induced cytopathic effects, down regulating the HIV receptor, increasing ThI cytokine expression, and decreasing Th2 cytokine expression. Additional compositions and methods are provided which employ a phorbol ester or derivative compound in combination with at least one additional agent such as those used in HAART protocols or therapeutic agents used to treat opportunistic infections due to HIV in mammalian subjects.