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Updated: Feb 22, 2026
12:21
Fabrication and Characterization of Griffithsin-modified Fiber Scaffolds for Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Published on: October 31, 2017
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Targeted microbicides for preventing sexual HIV transmission
Catarina Coutinho1, Bruno Sarmento2, José das Neves3
1i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; FEUP - Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
Summary
Targeted microbicides offer a novel approach to enhance HIV prevention. By engineering delivery systems to target specific cells and tissues, these novel strategies aim to improve the efficacy and safety of topical pre-exposure prophylaxis against sexual HIV transmission.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Sexual transmission remains a primary challenge in combating HIV infection.
- Current topical microbicides for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have shown suboptimal results in clinical trials.
- There is a critical need for improved strategies to enhance the efficacy and safety of HIV prevention methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review potential targets for the development of novel microbicide delivery systems.
- To discuss engineered systems designed for targeted delivery of antiviral agents.
- To explore strategies for modulating the pharmacokinetics of microbicide molecules for enhanced protection.
Main Methods:
- Identification of potential cellular and tissue targets involved in early sexual transmission of HIV.
- Engineering of targeted delivery systems for antiviral agents.
- Review of existing and potential microbicide candidates utilizing targeted approaches.
Main Results:
- Several key targets have been identified for strategic microbicide delivery.
- Engineered systems demonstrate potential for modulating local drug concentrations and improving protection.
- Examples of targeted microbicide candidates are presented, highlighting innovative approaches.
Conclusions:
- Targeted delivery systems represent a promising strategy to enhance the efficacy and safety of microbicides for HIV prevention.
- Further research and development are needed to overcome remaining challenges and advance targeted microbicides towards regulatory approval.
- Optimizing delivery to specific biological structures can maximize the protective potential of microbicide molecules.
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