HIV Drugs

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Life Cycle of HIV 1. Attachment: Virus binds to surface molecule (CD4) of T helper cells and macrophages. Coreceptors: Required for HIV infection. CXCR4 and CCR5 mutants are resistant to infection. 2. Fusion: Viral envelope fuses with cell membrane, releasing contents into the cell.

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. Reverse Transcription: Viral RNA is converted into DNA by unique enzyme reverse transcriptase. Reverse transcriptase RNA ---------------------> DNA Reverse transcriptase is the target of several HIV drugs: AZT, ddI, and ddC.

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. Integration: Viral DNA is inserted into host cell chromosome by unique enzyme integrase. Integrated viral DNA may remain latent for years and is called a provirus. 5. Replication: Viral DNA is transcribed and RNA is translated, making viral proteins. Viral genome is replicated. 6. Assembly: New viruses are made. 7. Release: New viruses bud through the cell membrane.