Soraphen A is a myxobacterial metabolite that blocks the acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase of the host and was previously identified as a novel HIV inhibitor. Here, we report that soraphen A acts by reducing virus production and altering the gp120 virion content, impacting entry capacity and infectivity. These effects are partially reversed by addition of palmitic acid, suggesting that inhibition of HIV envelope palmitoylation is one of the mechanisms of antiviral action.

The research was funded by the German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness and FEDER BES-2011-048569, Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness and FEDER SAF2013-46077-R SAF2016-75505-R, the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness and FEDER BFU2016-80039-R and the Maria de Maetzu Programme for Units of Excellence in R&DMDM-2014-0370