(K15R M52E) aprotinin is a weak Kunitz-type inhibitor of HIV-1 replication in H9 cells

Abstract

The (K15R M52E) aprotinin is a recombinant molecule with a broader inhibition spectrum against serine proteinases and a higher affinity towards certain proteinases as compared to native aprotinin. This aprotinin variant was produced in E. coli, isolated and purified to homogeneity. The inhibitor was further tested for its effectiveness to reduce human immunodeficiencyvirus type 1 (HIV-1) replication. Virus growth was followed by an ELISA which detects the amount of virus core protein p24. At a concentration of 50 μM, the recombinant (K15R M52E) aprotinin clearly reduced HIV-1 replication in H9 cells.