A synthetic bivalent ligand of CXCR4 inhibits HIV infection

- We designed, synthesized and studied a new bivalent D-peptide antagonist of CXCR4.
- This peptide shows very high binding affinity for CXCR4.
- This peptide inhibits calcium influx and cancer cell migration triggered by SDF-1α.
- This peptide inhibits HIV-1 infection and is not cytotoxic.
- This peptide is a new probe of CXCR4 function and lead for therapeutic development.