Targeting HIV: old and new players

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in Africa.
• Existing therapies for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are limited by drug-resistant variants and severe side effects.
• HIV's high variability necessitates combination therapies with distinct mechanisms of action for synergistic antiviral activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current understanding of key steps in the HIV life cycle.
• To summarize representative inhibitors based on their modes of action.
• To present an overview of compounds in clinical development for HIV targeting.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of HIV replication steps and inhibitors.
• Analysis of compounds targeting various stages of the HIV life cycle.
• Summary of drugs currently under clinical investigation.

Main Results:

• Development of agents targeting new HIV replication steps is ongoing.
• Viral entry inhibitors, particularly fusion inhibitors, show promise for market entry.
• Integrase inhibitors demonstrate potential, and targeting HIV gene regulation is an emerging strategy.

Conclusions:

• Novel therapeutic strategies are essential to overcome drug resistance and side effects in HIV treatment.
• Multiple drug targets and compounds are under investigation, offering potential for improved HIV management.
• The review provides a comprehensive outlook on the current landscape and future potential of HIV-targeted therapies.