In monkeys, microbicide prevented infection despite viral exposure

Three different anti-viral agents in a vaginal gel protected female monkeys against an HIV-like virus, researchers report.

The finding suggest that a microbicide that uses compounds that interfere with HIV's ability to attach and enter cells could provide a safe and effective way to protect women from contracting HIV. The study was published online in Nature .

The research was conducted using simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV), a laboratory-created hybrid virus made from HIV and SIV. Researchers at the Tulane National Primate Research Center in New Orleans tested gels containing two small molecules and a peptide (protein) -- alone and in combination -- designed to block SHIV from fusing with target cells at or near the tissue lining of the vagina. The goal was to determine if this could prevent SHIV from entering the monkeys' bodies.

The gels were placed in the monkeys' vaginas and, 30 minutes later, the animals were exposed to high-dose SHIV.

The researchers report that the three inhibitors were effective when used alone and in combination.

The experimental gels did not cause vaginal irritation or inflammation, the study authors added.

"We felt these inhibitors were likely to be pretty safe. Compounds similar to them have a good safety record in humans, at least so far," study author Ronald Veazey, chairman of the division of comparative pathology at the primate research center, said in a prepared statement.