>

HIV Attachment Inhibitors: A Novel Class of Antiretroviral Drugs

Introduction

HIV attachment inhibitors represent a new class of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs designed to combat HIV infection. These drugs target the crucial attachment step in the HIV replication cycle, offering an alternative approach to combating HIV.

Mechanism of Action

HIV attachment inhibitors, as their name suggests, disrupt the viral attachment process to host cells. By binding to the viral envelope glycoprotein gp120, they prevent it from interacting with CD4 receptors and CCR5 or CXCR4 co-receptors on the host cell surface. This interference effectively blocks HIV from entering and infecting immune cells, notably CD4+ T cells.

Types of Attachment Inhibitors

Two primary types of attachment inhibitors are currently available:

• Protein-based attachment inhibitors (e.g., ibalizumab, BMS-663068)
• Small-molecule attachment inhibitors (e.g., fostemsavir)

Clinical Significance

The advent of HIV attachment inhibitors has brought new hope in the fight against HIV. Fostemsavir, the first-in-class attachment inhibitor, was approved by the FDA in 2021 for the treatment of heavily treatment-experienced adults with multidrug-resistant HIV-1 infection. Its approval represents a major breakthrough in expanding ARV treatment options.

Conclusion

HIV attachment inhibitors have emerged as a promising class of ARV drugs, offering a novel approach to combating HIV infection. By effectively hindering the viral attachment process, these drugs provide a potent weapon in the arsenal against HIV. As research continues to refine and develop new attachment inhibitors, the prospect of more effective and targeted HIV treatments grows brighter, offering increased hope for managing and potentially eradicating this devastating virus.