Anti-HIV potential of a new interferon, interferon-tau (trophoblastin)

Article Abstract:

A new interferon (IFN) class, IFN-tau, appears to have anti-HIV activity more potent than that of IFN-alpha. IFN-tau, also called trophoblastin, is secreted by trophoblasts involved in the pregnancy of cows, sheep and goats. Researchers compared the effects of IFN-tau and IFN-alpha in human immune cells before and after infection with HIV-1. Monitoring the level of activity of an HIV enzyme revealed that IFN-tau was 35 to 100 times more powerful than IFN-alpha in the inhibition of HIV replication in certain immune cells. IFN-tau inhibited the integration of HIV DNA into cellular DNA, indicating the presence multiple sites of action that have been suggested for other IFNs. IFN-tau appears to be less toxic to cells than IFN-alpha, which has been associated with numerous side effects when used by AIDS patients.

HIV (Viruses), HIV, Interferon

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Pilot study of topical trifluridine for the treatment of acyclovir-resistant mucocutaneous herpes simplex disease in patients with AIDS

Article Abstract:

The topical application of the drug trifluridine may be effective in treating herpes simplex lesions that are resistant to acyclovir. Twenty-four AIDS patients applied a trifluridine solution to their lesions every 8 hours until some response was observed. Eighty percent had anogenital lesions and the remainder had facial lesions. The lesions healed completely in 29% of the patients within 2.9 to 7 weeks. The lesions shrank more than 50% in 7 patients but did not heal completely. At the end of study, 17 patients had smaller or nonexistent lesions, 2 had experienced no change and 5 had larger lesions. The drug caused no side effects beyond minor stinging in 1 patient.

Complications and side effects, Drug therapy, AIDS (Disease), Herpes simplex

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Efficacy of 6-chloro-2',3'-dideoxyguanosine (6-Cl-ddG) on Rhesus macaque monkeys chronically infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac239)

Article Abstract:

A drug that can enter the cerebrospinal fluid and also lymph nodes may be effective in eradicating HIV. 6-chloro-2',3'-dideoxyguanosine was tested in three Rhesus monkeys with SIV infection, and in two, viral levels in blood, cerebrospinal fluid and lymph nodes decreased. Blood levels of CD4+ and CD8+ cells increased during the treatment.

Statistical Data Included, Research, HIV infection, HIV infections

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