Anti-human immunodeficiency virus therapeutics: now and the future

Knowledge of the HIV life cycle helps to plan rational modalities directed against the virus. The complex nature of the life cycle of HIV presents multiple unique targets. HIV binding to the cellular receptor CD4, viral enzymatic targets, HIV activation, viral protein synthesis, and protein packaging are examples of the types of targets available to inhibit the life cycle of HIV. Patients, community groups, regulatory agencies, national research groups, and the private pharmaceutical companies have joined forces to work to a common goal, effective HIV therapies. RT inhibitors have provided the best therapeutic options, but other drugs are being developed at a rapid pace. New drugs are entering clinical investigation and will be more widely available at early signs of clinical and laboratory effectiveness.