Abstract: Multiple branch peptide constructions formed from peptide-branches derived from the envelope transmembrane glycoprotein gp41 of HIV, and including the consensus sequence RQGY preceded by 0 to 4 amino acid residues and succeeded by 0 to 4 amino acid residues, most preferably RQGYS, show increased receptor affinity and prevent cell-to-cell fusion. They have a direct virostatic effect. Because they present the same peptide sequence several times, these MBPCs are able to neutralize in vitro the different steps of virus envelope/cell membrane fusion, and infected cell membrane/uninfected cell membrane fusion of several strains of HIV-1 and HIV-2. These results open a potential use in treatment of HIV infection.

Abstract: Multiple branch peptide constructions formed from peptide-branches derived from the envelope transmembrane glycoprotein gp41 of HIV, and including the consensus sequence RQGY preceded by 0 to 4 amino acid residues and succeeded by 0 to 4 amino acid residues, most preferably RQGYS, show increased receptor affinity and prevent cell-to-cell fusion. They have a direct virostatic effect. Because they present the same peptide sequence several times, these MBPCs are able to neutralize in vitro the different steps of virus envelope/cell membrane fusion, and infected cell membrane/uninfected cell membrane fusion of several strains of HIV-1 and HIV-2. These results open a potential use in treatment of HIV infection.

Abstract: Multiple branch peptide constructions formed from peptides derived from the envelope transmembrane glycoprotein gp41 of HIV, and including the consensus sequence RQGY preceded by 0 to 4 amino acid residues and succeeded by 2 to 4 amino acid residues, most preferably RQGYSPL, show increased receptor affinity and prevent cell-to-cell fusion. They have a direct virostatic effect. Because they present the same peptide sequence several times, these MBPCs are able to neutralize in vitro the different steps of virus envelope/cell membrane fusion, and infected cell membrane/uninfected cell membrane fusion of several strains of HIV-1 and HIV-2. These results open a potential use in treatment of HIV infection.

Abstract: The present invention teaches multiple branch peptide constructions (MBPCs) formed from a core matrix to which is attached peptides derived from the V3 loop of the envelope glycoprotein of HIV-1, and including the amino acid sequence GPGR (SEQ ID NO: 5), preferably in the form GPGRAF, but which peptides preferably are free of the amino acid sequences IGPGR (SEQ ID NO: 1) or IXXGPGR (SEQ ID NO: 3), where X is an amino acid residue, and the use of such MBPCs as a therapy against HIV. The MBPCs prevent virus/cell infection and cell-to-cell virus transmission between CD4.sup.+ cells and HIV without hindering the immunogenic role of the CD4.sup.+ cells. Moreover, the MBPCs are effective in blockading both CD4 receptors on lymphocytes and macrophages and GalCer receptors on colon epithelial cells. These MBPCs are not immunogenic nor toxic at doses of their intended use (<[10.sup.-3 M]), thus allowing for them to be used therapeutically.