The Chinese herb-derived Sparstolonin B suppresses HIV-1 transcription

BACKGROUND: The Chines herb derived Sparstolonin B, (SsnB), is a recently identified natural compound that selectively blocks TLR2- and TLR4-mediated inflammatory signaling. But it is unknown whether this compound has any effect on HIV infection. FINDINGS: We found that SsnB treatment blocked HIV-1 transcription via a novel mechanism that requires the TAR region. Treatment of human T cell lines or peripheral blood mononuclear cells with SsnB at 1 μM significantly inhibited HIV production. Lastly, SsnB was able to inhibit HIV in synergy with AZT. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that SsnB is a novel natural compound that inhibits HIV-1 transcription and may be a new drug in the treatment of HIV infection.