In order to control the rapid spread of HIV it is clear that multiple approaches need to be investigated. One strategy that has shown the potential to reduce transmission in non-human primates is the application of topical microbicides. In addition since it has been demonstrated that other sexually transmitted infections can also increase the transmission of HIV, microbicides that can effectively decrease the spread of other STIs may also be a strategy to decrease HIV transmission. Combinations of approaches that target different stages of the HIV and STIs developmental cycle are desirable not only from the standpoint of reducing resistance but also to attain an additive or synergistic effect. In this proposal we plan on evaluating the ability of small inhibitor molecules with a hydrazone structure to limit the infection of HIV and Chlamydia. Recently we have demonstrated that this class of compounds is able to effectively restrict the growth of Chlamydia in vitro. Furthermore the mechanism of inhibition appears to be linked to the reversible depletion of host iron stores. There is evidence that HIV development can also be modulated by host iron supplies. Therefore, development of microbicides with a common mode of action effective at limiting the growth of both HIV and Chlamydia has the potential to be a powerful weapon in the reduction of this epidemic. We initially plan to test these inhibitors using in vitro system to identify those compounds we will characterize further as to, optimum dose, cytotoxicity, stage of development affected and activity in a genital environment. Compounds that we identify that are active yet have limited cytotoxicity will be formulated as a vaginal microbicide to be tested both in a HIV hu-SCID mouse and Chlamydia mouse genital infection model. Achievement of the aims in this proposal has the potential to uncover an important weapon in the battle against HIV.

Public Health Relevance

In this proposal we plan to identify compounds that have the ability to inhibit the sexually transmitted pathogens, HIV and Chlamydia. We will then use the compounds identified to develop a vaginal preparation (microbicide) and will test it in a mouse model to determine if it can reduce transmission and infectivity of these pathogens. Development of this type of preventative treatment has important implications in fighting the HIV epidemic.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
5R21AI079775-02
Application #
7805498
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZAI1-RB-A (J1))
Program Officer
Turpin, Jim A
Project Start
2009-05-01
Project End
2011-08-15
Budget Start
2010-05-01
Budget End
2011-08-15
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$206,487
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Irvine
Department
Pathology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
046705849
City
Irvine
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92697
Forthal, Donald N (2014) Functions of Antibodies. Microbiol Spectr 2:1-17
Forthal, Donald N; Phan, Tran B; Slepenkin, Anatoly V et al. (2012) In vitro anti-HIV-1 activity of salicylidene acylhydrazide compounds. Int J Antimicrob Agents 40:354-60
Ur-Rehman, Tofeeq; Slepenkin, Anatoly; Chu, Hencelyn et al. (2012) Pre-clinical pharmacokinetics and anti-chlamydial activity of salicylidene acylhydrazide inhibitors of bacterial type III secretion. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 65:397-404
Slepenkin, Anatoly; Chu, Hencelyn; Elofsson, Mikael et al. (2011) Protection of mice from a Chlamydia trachomatis vaginal infection using a Salicylidene acylhydrazide, a potential microbicide. J Infect Dis 204:1313-20
Chu, Hencelyn; Slepenkin, Anatoly; Elofsson, Mikael et al. (2010) Candidate vaginal microbicides with activity against Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseriagonorrhoeae. Int J Antimicrob Agents 36:145-50
Forthal, Donald N; Moog, Christiane (2009) Fc receptor-mediated antiviral antibodies. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 4:388-93