Role of Curdlan Sulfate in the Binding of HIV‐1 gp120 to CD4 Molecules and the Production of gp120‐Mediated TNF‐α

Abstract
To clarify the mechanism by which curdlan sulfate (CRDS) inhibits human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1 infection, we examined its influence on the binding of gp120 to CD4 molecules on T cells and macrophages, as well as on the production of TNF‐α by gp120‐stimulated macrophages (which promotes HIV‐1 replication). CRDS treatment of cells not only inhibited the binding of HIV‐1 gp120 to CD4+ cells, but also inhibited TNF‐α production induced by gp120. Inhibition of HIV‐1 infection by CRDS may be related to these two actions.