Aids History
AIDS: 20 years of struggle This specific virus has been the target of the first treatments in 1987. Known as reverse transcriptase inhibitors, they have reduced the multiplication of the virus and to maintain the rate of T lymphocytes, slowing the progression of the disease. The first of these was zidovudine, better known under the name AZT.
1996: The introduction of triple
As the natural history of the virus in the body was revealed, other means of struggle appeared.
Once introduced into its host cell, the virus will produce many proteins necessary for the manufacture of new viruses.But to produce these items, we need an enzyme, protease, which will somehow give the final touch and make the various components. Protease inhibitors prevent this final stage, blocking the production of new viruses. Thus, since 1995, was available the first compound of this new therapeutic class.
Since 1996, treatment of HIV infection was directed towards the combination of several treatments: triple therapy (eg combination of a protease inhibitor and two nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors). These new approaches have revolutionized the treatment of disease, making the virus undetectable in the blood and preventing the development of AIDS.
Replication cycle of HIV
The virus is resisting Today, treatment of AIDS have dramatically increased. But the fight is far from won. Thus, the triple can not totally eliminate the virus: in case of stopping treatment, he leaves the tank and returns immediately. In addition, there is now the problem of the emergence of resistance. With its incessant changes and uncontrolled, the virus can become resistant to one or more compounds. Not less than 5 to 10% of patients are also in treatment failure due to multiple resistance to treatment.While progress has been made, since we can now test the profile of the virus in each case for the molecules to which it is susceptible. This allows preliminary diagnosis and appropriate treatment. It is also worth the side effects of treatment, which are the main anomalies in the distribution of adipose tissue (lypodistrophie) and increased cardiovascular risk.
New molecules To overcome problems of resistance and side effects, development of new therapies remains essential. The newest of these weapons against HIV (the T20 - Fuzeon ) is available since 2003 in the United States and Europe. This time, a fusion inhibitor, a molecule that attacks the virus before it enters the cell. As its name suggests, this treatment prevents them from fusing with the cell membrane, preventing the entrance of the genetic heritage of the virus. This drug should initially be used in patients in therapeutic failure. Other treatments are expected novel inhibitors of virus entry into the cell and other inhibitors. Research is also conducted to find a molecule capable of blocking the entry of the virul genetic material in the nucleus of infected cells.
AIDS History (part 1)
AIDS History (part 3)
