A Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Molecule, Protoporphyrin IX, Acts as a Moderator of HIV-1 Capsid Assembly by Targeting the Capsid Hexamer

The capsid protein (CA), an essential component of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), represents an appealing target for antivirals. Small molecules targeting the CAI-binding cavity in the C-terminal domain of HIV-1 CA (CA CTD) confer potent antiviral activities. In this study, we report that a small molecule, protoporphyrin IX (PPIX), targets the HIV-1 CA by binding to this pocket. PPIX was identified via