Host-directed and immune-based therapies for human immunodeficiency virus infection

Article Abstract:

Research on host-directed and immune-based therapies for HIV infection may be as important as testing antiviral drugs. The ability of HIV to mutate limits the effectiveness of antiviral therapies. An alternative is to interrupt HIV reproduction by altering some host element with which HIV interacts. This strategy may be more feasible because the possibility of mutation among host elements is far less than in the virus itself. One host-directed therapy under investigation is administering CD4 (a type of cell to which HIV binds) to reduce the viral concentration. Researchers are testing many other agents that are intended to affect components of the immune system involved in the HIV infective process. Gene therapy aimed at immune reconstitution may be another promising avenue of research.

Immunotherapy

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L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (Procysteine) inhibits expression of the human immunodeficiency virus and expression of the interleukin-2 receptor alpha chain

Article Abstract:

The drug Procysteine may be a safe and effective way to increase glutathione levels in people with HIV infection. Glutathione concentrations often drop in HIV-infected people, which may stimulate viral reproduction. Researchers mixed blood cells from an HIV-infected patient with those of an uninfected patient. When Procysteine was added to the culture, levels of a viral protein called p24 dropped. This indicates that the drug inhibited viral reproduction. Preliminary data indicate that patients who are given Procysteine have increased levels of glutathione in their blood. Procysteine is metabolized by the body to the chemical cysteine, which is metabolized to glutathione.

HIV (Viruses), HIV, Glutathione metabolism

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Does marijuana affect viral loads in people with HIV?

Article Abstract:

Marijuana does not appear to interfere adversely with protease inhibitors when used by HIV patients, according to a study of 67 patients. Those who smoked marijuana or took a pill containing its active ingredient had stable viral levels, improved immune function, and a better appetite. They gained four pounds more on average than the men who did not use marijuana.

Marijuana, Evaluation, Tetrahydrocannabinol

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