Abstract

The present invention includes the method of treating a viral infection, specifically one occurring as a result of infection by a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1). The method of treatment depends upon the ligand binding of the Ah receptor. Transformation and translocation of the receptor and DNA binding are not required. The study of compounds that interact with the Ah receptor, either as agonists, or antagonists, has resulted in the identification of compounds with useful therapeutic properties through perturbation of viral pathogenic signal transduction pathways. Antagonists of the Ah receptor are more likely candidates for treatment because the toxicity of such compounds is low. Identification of molecules affecting cellular targets, such as the Ah receptor, that inhibit viral pathologic signaling would be of great therapeutic potential as the activity of these molecules is not directed against the virus itself, therefore genetic viral mutation to escape such therapy would be far less likely to occur. The use of secondary compounds for use in combinational, synergistic, therapy is also enclosed. These second compounds are also known to have some effect on the treatment of cellular pathologic changes, together with those compounds found to be effective upon the regulation of the Ah receptor the compounds can more beneficially control virally induced cellular cytopathic changes.