Inhibition of infectivity and replication of HIV-2 and SIV in helper T-cells by 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides in vitro.

We have previously shown that 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides and their derivatives are potent inhibitors of the infectivity and cytopathic effect mediated by human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1), the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Recently a new group of retroviruses has been found in individuals originating from the western part of Africa. One member of this group is human immunodeficiency virus type-2 (HIV-2), previously designated lymphadenopathy-associated virus type-2 (LAV-2), found in patients with an AIDS-like illness. In this report, we show that 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides including 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxythymidine (AZT) can significantly inhibit the infectivity and/or cytopathic effect of these retroviruses in vitro. Current data provide a rationale for considering 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides and their derivatives as experimental antiviral agents in individuals with illnesses caused by these new retroviruses.