Richard A. Collins and Tzi Bun Ng
Dept. of Biochem., The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Abstract

Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) isolated from the edible mushroom Coriolus versicolor was tested for its potential as an anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) compound in a series of in vitro assays. It demonstrated inhibition of the interaction between HIV-1 gp 120 and immobilized CD4 receptor (IC₅₀=150 microgram/ml), potent inhibition of recombinant HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (IC₅₀=6.25 microgram/ml), and inhibited a glycohydrolase enzyme associated with viral glycosylation. These properties, coupled with its high solubility in water, heat-stability and low cytotoxicity, make it a useful compound for further studies on its possible use as an anti-viral agent in vivo.

Published on Life Science, Vol.60, No.25, pp. PL383-387, 1997