Ozone inactivates HIV at noncytotoxic concentrations.

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a significant global health challenge.
• Ozone therapy is explored for various medical applications, but its effect on HIV and cellular functions requires detailed investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of ozone in inactivating HIV.
• To assess the cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic effects of ozone-treated serum and media on H-9 cells.

Main Methods:

• HIV suspensions in human serum were treated with varying concentrations of ozone.
• H-9 cells and HIV-infected HXB/H-9 cells were cultured in ozone-treated media.
• HIV inactivation was measured by viral titer reduction.
• Cellular metabolism (MTT assay) and DNA replication (BUdR incorporation) were assessed.
• HIV p24 core protein levels were quantified in culture supernatants.

Main Results:

• Ozone treatment reduced HIV titer in a dose-dependent manner, with complete inactivation at 4.0 µg/ml.
• Ozone did not exhibit cytotoxicity; instead, it enhanced cellular metabolism and DNA replication in H-9 cells.
• Culturing HIV-infected cells in ozone-treated media resulted in a 46% average reduction in HIV p24 core protein.

Conclusions:

• Ozone demonstrates potent antiviral activity against HIV.
• Ozone treatment of cell culture media can inhibit HIV replication without harming cellular functions.
• These findings suggest ozone's potential as an adjunct therapy for HIV, warranting further research.