Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026

Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture
Published on: October 12, 2018
Specific microbicides in the prevention of HIV infection
1King's College London, Dental Institute, London, UK. charles.kelly@kcl.ac.uk
Abstract:
Microbicides are products that are designed for application at vaginal or rectal mucosae to inhibit or block early events in HIV infection and thereby prevent transmission of HIV. Currently, the most advanced microbicides in the development pipeline are based on highly active anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs). Significant protection of women by vaginally applied tenofovir gel, demonstrated in the CAPRISA 004 trial, has provided proof-of-concept that microbicides can be effective. The rationale for investigating ARVs and other compounds as vaginal or rectal microbicides is discussed together with approaches to improve efficacy by the development of combination microbicides and by new formulations that may increase user acceptance.
Related Concept Videos
Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors
Sexually Transmitted Infections

