AIM:

To investigate the mechanism by which tannin inhibits HIV-1 entry into target cells.

METHODS:

The inhibitory activity of tannin on HIV-1 replication and entry was detected by p24 production and HIV-1-mediated cell fusion, respectively. The inhibitory activity on the gp41 six-helix bundle formation was determined by an improved sandwich ELISA.

RESULTS:

Tannins from different sources showed potent inhibitory activity on HIV-1 replication, HIV-1-mediated cell fusion, and the gp41 six-helix bundle formation.

CONCLUSION:

Tannin inhibits HIV-1 entry into target cells by interfering with the gp41 six-helix bundle formation, thus blocking HIV-1 fusion with the target cell.