Q&A

Which antiretroviral drug is classified as a fusion inhibitor?

Which antiretroviral drug is classified as a fusion inhibitor?

It is also referred to as a “fusion inhibitor.” Ibalizumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to domain 2 of CD4 and interferes with post-attachment steps required for the entry of HIV-1 virus particles into host cells and prevents the viral transmission that occurs via cell-cell fusion.

How do fusion inhibitors work for HIV?

Fusion inhibitors act extracellularly to prevent the fusion of HIV to the CD4 or other target cell. Enfuvirtide blocks the second step in the fusion pathway by binding to the HR1 region of glycoprotein 41 (gp41).

Is fusion inhibitor and HIV inhibitor?

A fusion inhibitor blocks the HIV envelope from merging with the host CD4 cell membrane (fusion). This prevents HIV from entering the CD4 cell.

Why are fusion inhibitors important for the treatment of HIV?

Interference with HIV entry into target cells provides a novel approach to the treatment of HIV infection. The inhibition of virus fusion with the co-receptor substrate seems the most specific and potentially best way to interfere with HIV infection and replication.

What are the side effects of fusion inhibitors?

Most patients receiving enfuvirtide experience injection-site reactions, increasing drug discontinuation rates. Manifestations include subcutaneous nodules, erythema, pruritus, pain, and ecchymoses. Other adverse effects that occur to a lesser extent include diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue.

Is a fusion inhibitor?

Fusion inhibitor: A class of antiretroviral drugs that work on the outside of the host CD4 cell to prevent HIV from fusing with and infecting it. Fusion inhibitors act by binding to an envelope protein and blocking the structural changes necessary for the virus to fuse with the host CD4 cell.

Is Haart a lifelong treatment?

These medications may also be called antiretroviral drugs (ART), antiretrovirals (ARVs), or anti-HIV drugs. There is currently no cure for HIV, but the availability of HAART means that HIV is manageable through lifelong treatment.

What drug class is ritonavir?

Lopinavir and ritonavir are in a class of medications called protease inhibitors. They work by decreasing the amount of HIV in the blood.

What class of drug is enfuvirtide?

Enfuvirtide is in a class of medications called HIV entry and fusion inhibitors.