Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide complementary to CXCR4 mRNA block replication of HIV-1 in COS cells

CXCR4 is both a chemokine receptor and an entry co-receptor for the T-cell line-adapted human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). To find a more efficacious therapeutic treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, we examined the effects of antisense oligonucleotides on CXCR4 production. COS cells, stably expressing CXCR4 and CD4, were incubated with several kinds of oligonucleotides. Total human p24 antigen production was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system. An antisense phosphorothioate-modified oligonucleotide, complementary to the translation initiation region of the CXCR4 mRNA, showed minimal inhibition of p24 antigen production at the high concentration of 2 microM. On the other hand, the antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotide, when used with transfection reagents, showed high efficiency at low concentrations, and confirmed the sequence-specific action. Interestingly, the oligonucleotide with the natural phosphodiester backbone, when used with the transfection reagents, also had high functional effects, comparable to the modified oligonucleotide. This study defines the prerequisite criteria necessary for the design and the application of antisense oligonucleotides against HIV-1 in vivo.