Molecular targets for AIDS therapy

Article Abstract:

The goal of antiviral therapy in AIDS is to inhibit the replication of the retrovirus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), in the individual (in vivo). There are many types of drugs and biological substances which inhibit the replication of HIV in vitro (in tissue culture). Every step in the replication of the virus can potentially be targeted to stop the virus from reproducing. These steps include: the binding and entry of the virus into the cell; the transcription of viral RNA (ribonucleic acid) to DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) by the viral enzyme, reverse transcriptase; and the migration of the newly synthesized DNA to the nucleus of the cell for integration of the viral DNA into the DNA of the host. The steps that follow include: the transcription and translation of the HIV gene products into viral proteins, with inhibition of gene products involved in the regulation of viral replication; the transport and packaging of the viral proteins so that the virus can mature into virus particles that are infectious; and the budding or release of the virus from the infected cell, allowing the cycle to begin again. AZT (3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxythymidine) is a nucleoside analog which interferes with the replication of HIV by inhibiting the viral enzyme reverse transcriptase, the key enzyme involved in the replication of the genetic information of the virus. AZT is widely used to prolong survival and improve the quality of life for those with advanced stages of HIV infection, and also to delay progression in certain individuals who are infected with HIV and do not yet have any clinical symptoms. Other analogues of nucleosides also inhibit replication of HIV. New drugs, other than nucleoside analogues, that interfere with the various steps of replication are being used experimentally against HIV. It is hoped that therapies will be found which inhibit the virus but do not affect normal, uninfected cells and have minimal toxic effects on the individual being treated. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Physiological aspects, HIV infection, Drug therapy, HIV infections, Antiviral agents, AIDS (Disease), Retroviruses, Nucleosides

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The shrewd grasp of RNA polymerase

Article Abstract:

RNA polymerase keeps a strong hold on RNA and DNA as it crosses millions of base pairs. The basis of polymerase association with DNA was defined in a study that was a major advance in molecular biology. The findings are important for RNA chain elongation.

Research, RNA polymerases, Molecular biology

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