Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

12:03
Evaluation of the Efficacy And Toxicity of RNAs Targeting HIV-1 Production for Use in Gene or Drug Therapy
Published on: September 5, 2016
[The HIV replication cycle. Established therapeutic targets and potential targets]
1Unidad de Inmunopatología del Sida, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, España. ppaleami@isciii.es
Enfermedades Infecciosas Y Microbiologia Clinica
|July 3, 2009
Summary
Basic research on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has rapidly advanced patient treatments, with over 20 drugs now available. This review details HIV
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection research demonstrates rapid translation from basic science to clinical application.
- The study of HIV's life cycle and protein functions has led to the development of over 20 therapeutic agents.
- Current treatment strategies for HIV infection are based on established antiretroviral drug classes.
Purpose:
- To review the biological cycle of HIV, identifying key targets for pharmacological intervention.
- To summarize the characteristics of major antiretroviral drug families and newer agents.
- To assess emerging pre-clinical drug candidates for future HIV therapy.
Summary:
- This review examines the HIV life cycle, emphasizing targets for drug development.
- It details established and novel antiretroviral therapies.
- Emerging pre-clinical candidates are also assessed to predict future treatment advancements.
- The article highlights the successful translation of basic HIV research into effective patient treatments.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of HIV therapeutic strategies, from established treatments to future prospects.
- Facilitates understanding of drug targets within the HIV life cycle for researchers and clinicians.
- Informs the development of next-generation antiretroviral therapies to combat HIV infection.
Related Concept Videos
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly
As part of their replication cycle, certain viruses synthesize long precursor proteins called polyproteins within infected host cells. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), two major polyproteins are produced: Gag and Gag-Pol. The Gag polyprotein supplies the structural components of the virus, while Gag-Pol includes essential viral enzymes such as reverse transcriptase, integrase, and protease. After synthesis, these polyproteins move to the host cell membrane, where they assemble into an...
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...
Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors
Antiviral Nucleoside InhibitorsAntiviral nucleoside inhibitors are structural analogs of natural nucleosides that interfere with viral DNA or RNA synthesis. These compounds selectively target viral polymerases due to their resemblance to host nucleosides, thereby disrupting viral genome replication.Mechanism of Acyclovir ActionAcyclovir is a guanosine analog with a three-carbon acyclic side chain. It selectively targets herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2),...
Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...
Viruses with RNA Genomes
RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...

