Abstract: Compositions that inhibit the HIV-1 viral infectivity factor (Vif) and methods of use thereof are provided. The disclosed compositions have inhibitory activity against Vif function and restore A3G enzymatic activity. The disclosed compositions may be used to treat and/or prevent infection and transmission of viruses (such as HIV), to inhibit the function of Vif in a cell, to inhibit viral infectivity in a cell, and to inhibit replication of a virus. Methods of identifying Vif inhibitors are also provided.

Abstract: Artificial cervical fluid is disclosed that contains a mucilaginous extract from the okra plant. The mucilaginous extract can be produced using a hot aqueous extractant or cold extraction process followed by separation of larger particles from the extract. The extract finds many uses, for example as a sperm storage medium, a sperm freezing medium, a sexual lubricant, an artificial insemination medium, an in vitro fertilization medium, and methods for treating and/or preventing infection, replication, and transmission of viruses, such as sexually transmitted viruses.

Abstract: Compositions of glycan strands and oligosaccharides derived from gram-positive bacteria and methods of use thereof are provided. The disclosed compositions have inhibitory activity toward both early and late stages of viral infection and transmission. The disclosed compositions may be used to treat and/or prevent infection and transmission of viruses, such as HIV, to upregulate one or both of AG3 and MX2, to enhance immune function, and/or to inhibit replication of a virus.

Abstract: The importance of interaction between TSG101 and Vps28 in the release of HIV-1 and other viruses is disclosed. Suppressing or interfering in this interaction may inhibit HIV-1 virion release from infected cells. Agents that modulate this interaction include antibodies that bind to Vps28, polypeptides that bind to Vps28, and nucleic acids that may be used in gene therapy to interfere with the expression of wild type Vps28. Administration of such agents in vitro for screening and diagnostic purposes, and in vivo for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions based on the interaction of TSG101 and VPS28 proteins for treatment of viral infections, including HIV infections. The invention also provides TSG101-VPS28 based methods and compositions for evaluation and screening of drugs which can be used for treating viral infections.