A surprising finding of this invention is that the inhibitor of the histone deacetylase synergizes the effect of prostratin thus, allowing administering to a patient a lower, non-toxic dose of prostratin.

The compounds that encourage viral production in latent cells ideally include a combination of prostratin or a prostratin analog and an HDAC inhibitor, such as butyrate, valproate, or SAHA.

In certain embodiments, prostratin or a structural analog or metabolite thereof is administered by infusion.

OneWorld Health is also looking at synthesising prostratin, an anti-AIDS compound.

Compositions of the invention comprise an activator of latent HIV expression, such as prostratin, and an inhibitor of histone deacetylase, such as TSA.