Targeting HIV

Gene Therapy Targeting HIV Entry

Despite the unquestionable success of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the treatment of HIV infection, the cost, need for daily adherence, and HIV-associated morbidities that persist despite ART all underscore the need to develop a cure for HIV. The cure achieved following an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) using HIV-resistant cells, and more recently, the report of short-te...

Synthetic AIDS vaccine by targeting HIV receptor.

A class of synthetic peptide immunogens for the cell surface HIV receptor complex has been developed to elicit antibodies that block viral entry by inhibiting gp120-CD4 interaction. These peptides extend our HIV receptor-directed approach from passive immunotherapy with mAb B4 (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 96 (1999) 10367) to active immunization by a synthetic peptide-based vaccine. A peptide ...

Targeting the Sticky Fingers of HIV-1

Although human blood plasma contains molecules that inhibit the activity of HIV-1, their identity is largely unknown. Münch et al. (2007) now identify a peptide corresponding to a portion of alpha1-antitrypsin that potently inhibits entry of HIV-1 into host cells by binding to a hydrophobic segment of the viral envelope glycoprotein gp41.

Interventions Targeting HIV-Infected Risky Drinkers

Alcohol use is common among people infected with HIV and may contribute to adverse consequences such as reduced adherence to treatment regimens and increased likelihood of risky sexual behaviors. Therefore, researchers and clinicians are looking for treatment approaches to reduce harmful alcohol consumption in this population. However, clinical trials of existing treatment models are scarce. A ...

Acute HIV-1 infection: targeting the regulator.