Inhibitors of CTP biosynthesis potentiate the anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 activity of 3TC in activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Unlike hydroxyurea, the CTP synthetase inhibitor acivicin and, to a lesser extent, two other inhibitors of CTP synthesis, increased the phosphorylation and anti-HIV-1 activity of 3TC in PHA-P-activated PBMC. These data suggest that to improve the antiretroviral activity of 3TC, it may be worth focusing on inhibition of CTP synthesis.