Abstract: A method for the screening of antiviral compounds targeted to the HIV gp41 core structure comprising capturing polyclonal antibodies from an animal other than a mouse directed against a trimer of a heterodimer containing an N-peptide and a C-peptide onto a solid-phase, mixing a compound to be tested with an N-peptide and then adding a C-peptide, adding the resultant mixture to the resultant polyclonal antibody coated solid-phase and then removing unbound peptides and unbound compound, adding a monoclonal antibody directed against the trimer of a heterodimer containing an N-peptide and a C-peptide and measuring the antibody binding of the monoclonal antibody.