Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the prevention or delaying of retroviral infection by use of agents that prevent the clustering of retroviral receptors associated with cell membrane raft domains. The present invention relates more specifically to the prevention or treatment of HIV-1 infection through the use of agents that inhibit Rho-A activation by affecting GTPase activity or protein isoprenylation. The present invention relates also to the prevention or delay of HIV-1 infection through the displacement of cytokine receptors from cell membrane raft domains.

Abstract: A method is provided of identifying compounds for use in a pharmaceutical composition having an anti-viral effect against CXCR4-dependent HIV activity comprising: providing a first aliquot of CXCR-4-expressing GH-Tg cells; contacting said first aliquot with HIV particles; providing a second aliquot of CXCR4-expressing GH-Tg cells; contacting said second aliquot with a test ligand; contacting said second aliquot with HIV particles; and isolating virus from said first and said second aliquot of cells, wherein a decrease in the ability to isolate virus from said second aliquot cells indicates said test ligand possess anti-viral activity against HIV.