CPF-DD is an inhibitor of infection by human immunodeficiency virus and other enveloped viruses in vitro.

The initial step in the infection cycle of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) involves binding of its surface glycoprotein gp 120 to the T lymphocyte CD4 antigen. CPF-DD is a low molecular weight inhibitor of HIV infectivity that inhibits gp 120 binding to CD4 in vitro (Finberg et al., Science 249, 287-291, 1990). We find, however, that the actions of CPF-DD are not limited to its ability to interfere with gp 120-CD4 binding; its predominant action is to remove the viral envelope from the underlying core. Subsequently the virions disintegrate. Most enveloped viruses tested were inhibited by CPF-DD, but the infectivity of noneneloped viruses was unaffected or only slightly reduced.