Mechanism of HIV persistence: implications for vaccines and therapy
Article Abstract:
A mathematical model of HIV infection shows that a continual level of infection is a stable state. This stability allow the virus to return to a certain level whenever antiviral therapy is stopped. The rates and relationships between the physiological processes of HIV progression and inhibition can be expressed in mathematical equations. When the following mathematical equation is satisfied, the virus will continue to thrive: (rate of viral replication in infected cells) X (rate of infection of cells) > (rate of neutralization of the virus) X (death rate of infected cells). The rate of virus neutralization depends on the binding capability of antibodies against the virus. When the above equation is satisfied, new mutations of the virus are created which antibodies cannot bind to effectively. According to the model, any therapy against HIV must be continued for the life of the patient so that a stable infected state will not persist.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1995
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Effect of polyanionic compounds on intracutaneous and intravaginal herpesvirus infection in mice: impact on the search for vaginal microbicides with anti-HIV activity
Article Abstract:
Two negatively charged chemical compounds, polysulfate dextran sulfate and copolymer of acrylic acid with vinylalcohol sulfate (PAVAS), may prevent infection of herpesvirus through the vagina in mice. Researchers injected a mixture of each of these compounds with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) into the skin and vagina of mice. The mice were followed for 25 days following injection. With injection through the skin and the vagina, dextran sulfate and PAVAS reduced the development of herpes sores and the death rate of the mice. With vaginal injection of the virus, none of the mice that received PAVAS developed lesions or died. Thus, PAVAS provided complete protection from vaginal infection. The way in which these negatively charged chemical compounds inhibit HSV-2 infection is similar to how other charged compounds inhibit HIV infection. A combination of similar compounds may help inhibit HIV transmission through the human vagina.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
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