Abstract: The invention disclosed herein are embodiments of compounds capable of treating a viral infection. For example, the compounds are capable of inhibiting viral downmodulation of major histocompatibility complex I (MHC-I), such as by acting as immunomodulators of the immune system to treat, cure or eradicate a viral infection (e.g., HIV infection). More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the use of a heteroaryl compound or salts or analogs thereof, in the treatment of patients infected with a virus. The disclosed compounds may be used alone or in combination with other pharmacologically active agents to treat, cure or eradicate the virus, particularly in patients with persistent, latent viral infection. In some embodiments, the disclosed compounds can be used alone or in combination with other pharmacologically active agents to promote reactivation of viral production in latent cells and eradication of such cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inhibiting the ability of HIV genes products to bind to the cytoplasmic domain of a CD4 receptor. This domain is necessary to the ability of the HIV Nef and Vpu gene products to connect the CD4 receptor to cellular degradation pathways. The present invention provides a method for introducing a modified CD4 receptor into a cell, and inhibitors thereof, to treat HIV infection and CD4 receptor down-modulation. The present invention is also directed to a method for screening compounds for the ability to inhibit CD4 down-modulation.