The myxobacterial metabolite Soraphen A inhibits HIV-1 by reducing virus production and altering virion composition.

Abstract

Soraphen A is a myxobacterial metabolite that blocks the acetyl-CoA carboxylase of the host, and was previously identified as a novel HIV inhibitor. Here we report that Soraphen A acts by reducing virus production and altering the gp120 virion content, impacting entry capacity and infectivity. These effects are partially reversed by addition of palmitic acid, suggesting inhibition of HIV Env palmitoylation as one of the mechanisms of antiviral action.