Inhibition of HIV-1 replication by a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor
Article Abstract:
Reverse transcriptase (RT) is an enzyme that allows DNA to be made from RNA (the reverse of the DNA-to-RNA synthesis that takes place in ordinary transcription). HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus, type 1, which causes AIDS) depends on its RT to replicate (reproduce); thus, one approach to combatting the infection is to inhibit HIV-1 RT. Zidovudine (formerly AZT), the first drug approved for treating HIV-1-infected patients, inhibits RNA-to-DNA manufacture, but it has toxic side effects, and, in addition, does not completely inhibit viral replication in most cases. New drugs are needed. To this end, experiments were performed on a series of agents (dipyridodiazepinones) that inhibit HIV-1 RT. The agent known as BI-RG-587 was particularly effective without causing negative effects on the nervous system. The steps in synthesizing this substance are described. Its actions against HIV-1 RT were specific; no effects against simian immunodeficiency virus or feline leukemia virus (viruses related to HIV-1) were observed. The BI-RG-587 agent also had antiviral activity against viral isolates from HIV-1-infected patients. Additional studies are underway to further characterize this molecule, which may be useful therapeutically. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1990
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How HIV defeats the immune system
Article Abstract:
Scientists have long wondered why HIV patients remain in good health for long periods before succumbing to full-blown AIDS. Recently, researchers have uncovered evidence suggesting that HIV eventually evades control by the immune system by evolving into new, immune-resistant variants.
Publication Name: Scientific American
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8733
Year: 1995
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HIV-1 evolution and disease progression
Article Abstract:
The researchers who developed the evolutionary hypothesis known as antigenic diversity threshold diversity theory maintain that a study of the evolution of HIV in six patients with varying rates of progression supports their theory. Opposing views are presented.
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1996
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