The present invention provides screening methods for identifying a
compound that induces loss of the lentiviral protein Vpr; screening
methods for identifying compounds that inhibit the peptidyl-prolyl
cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) activity of a protein that catalyzes
cis-trans isomerization of cis-peptidylprolyl bonds in Vpr; and compounds
identified by the screening methods. The compounds are useful for
treating a lentiviral infection. The present invention further provides
methods of inducing loss of the lentiviral protein Vpr; methods of
inhibiting lentivirus viral replication; and methods of treating a
lentivirus infection in an individual. The methods generally involve
administering to an individual infected with the lentivirus an effective
amount of a compound that induces Vpr loss and/or that inhibits PPIase
activity of a protein that catalyzes cis-trans isomerization of
cis-peptidylprolyl bonds in Vpr.