Abstract: Isolated peptides, peptidomimetics, and antibodies which bind to the viral fusion protein binding domain of the RhoA protein or the RhoA binding domain of a viral fusion protein are useful for inhibiting infection in susceptible cells, in vitro and in vivo. Among these viruses are the Paramyxovirus respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the Lentivirus human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Abstract: Applicants provide methods of inhibiting viral infections, and treating an infected individual with AIDS, respiratory syncytial virus infection, parainfluenza virus infection, and other viral infections. Inhibitors of Rho isoprenylation are used to inhibit Rho cell surface attachment, thereby inhibiting the use, by viruses, of Rho as a receptor for infection of susceptible cells. Isoprenylation inhibitors include inhibitors specific for the enzymes farnesyltransferase and geranylgeranyltranferase, as well as inhibitors of general cholesterol biosynthesis, such as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.