Antiretroviral Drugs Development; Past, Present and Future
Journal Title: International STD Research & Reviews - Year 2016, Vol 4, Issue 2
Abstract
Thirty years after the discovery of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), more than 29 antiretroviral have been introduced. HIV at present can be managed though; it comes with consequences such as toxicity due to long term use of antiretroviral, development of resistance by HIV-1 strains and other viral or bacterial infections associated with it. Issues such as latency, socio-economic problem in the developing world has been of considerable concern. The benefits of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the developed countries far outweighed those in the underdeveloped nations. HIV belongs to the genus Lentivirus and family Retroviridae, possess a diploid RNA and a cone shaped capsid core particles. The virus consists of major and minor structural and nonstructural proteins that perform different roles in the virus life cycle. In this review we seek to give a comprehensive account of the past, present and future directions in the development of antiretroviral drug. There are five classes of antiretroviral inhibitors which target HIV-1’s reverse transcriptase, protease, integrase, envelope fusion and co-receptor binding thereby disrupting virus replicative cycle. Strategies have emerged on how to better manage HIV patients such as simplification of drugs, complete HAART withdrawal, use of microbicides, targeted PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), and vaccine development. There are several host (example; CRIM-1) proteins and virus (example; Rev and Tat) proteins that remain unexplored and could serve as potential druggable targets, thus the need for further research in this direction.
Authors and Affiliations
Effiom Henshaw, Josiah Lennox, Joyce Akpan
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP242809
- DOI 10.9734/ISRR/2016/24828
- Views 111
- Downloads 0
Preventing Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria: The Health Workers’ Perspective
Introduction: Mother-to-child transmission of HIV threatens the survival of children of below five years of age. Health workers play an important role in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Objective: The ob...
Fungal Isolation in HIV Patients and CD4 Count
Aims: This study aimed to investigate fungal isolation in HIV infected patients and its relationship with CD4 count. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Nnamdi...
Knowledge, Attitude and the Use of Patient Package Inserts: Perspectives on Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy
Introduction: Patient package insert is an innovative tool capable of providing additional medication information in written form; it has the potential to promote adherence to antiretroviral medicines. Objectives: This s...
Knowledge and Attitude of Health Care Workers towards Hepatitis B Infection and Vaccination in a Federal Teaching Hospital in South Western Nigeria
This study was carried out to determine the knowledge and attitude of health care workers in a Federal Teaching Hospital in South West, Nigeria towards Hepatitis B vaccination and infection. This study employed a quantit...
Perception of Dysmenorrhea and Its Relationship to School Activities among Senior Secondary School Students in Nnewi, Nigeria
Introduction: Dysmenorrhea is one of the commonest disorders of menstruation afflicting women of reproductive age. It is a cause of lost time from school and work among such women. Objectives: This study was carried out...