CYTOTOXIC-DRUG DELIVERING MOLECULES TARGETING HIV (CDM-HS), CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITY AGAINST THE HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS AND METHODS OF USE

摘要

The present invention is directed to new bifunctional compounds and methods for treating HIV infections. The bifunctional small molecules, generally referred to as CDM-Hs, function through orthogonal pathways, by inhibiting the gp120-CD4 interaction, and by introducing cytotoxic moieties to gp120-expressing cells, thereby causing cell death and preventing cell infection and spread of HIV. It is shown that CDM-Hs bind to gp120 and gp-120 expressing cells competitively with CD4, and these compounds cause cell death of HIV-infected cells, thereby decreasing viral infectivity. Compounds and methods are described herein.