Microbicides: a new approach to preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections

Abstract

Many chemical agents can block human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the laboratory. Scientists are investigating which of these, used intravaginally by women, will safely prevent the sexual transmission of HIV in humans. Several such products - microbicides - will soon be tested in populations at high risk for HIV, and others are waiting in the wings. Microbicides will provide a low-cost method, controlled by women, for protection against HIV, other sexually transmitted pathogens and unwanted pregnancy, and will therefore have global public-health benefits.

Intranasal HIV-1-gp160-DNA/gp41 Peptide Prime-Boost Immunization Regimen in Mice Results in Long-Term HIV-1 Neutralizing Humoral Mucosal and Systemic Immunity

“…A positive reactivity was considered if the ELISA substrate absorbance was higher than the mean value OD Ϯ 2 SD of the negative control. T cell proliferation assay was performed as previously described (4,11).…”

“…Therefore, specific immune responses are needed to control the spread of the virus. Mucosal microbicides are being used as a therapeutic approach (4,5). Microbicides may acts as lubricants, protecting the mucosal surfaces, reducing the trauma, preventing sexually transmitted diseases, reducing the risk of inflammation and ulceration, and maintaining a low pH.…”

Viral surface glycoproteins, gp120 and gp41, as potential drug targets against HIV-1: Brief overview one quarter of a century past the approval of zidovudine, the first anti-retroviral drug

“…It is known that a series of polyanionic compounds with widely diverging structures and sizes, such as carrageenan (Carraguard), naphthalene sulfonate polymer (PRO 2000), dextran sulfate and cellulose sulfate, can inhibit HIV infection by binding to gp120 and blocking its interaction with CD4 [99]. Although these polymers were unsuccessful in clinical trials as systemic anti-HIV therapeutic agents, because of the presence of certain toxicity and low in vivo efficacy, they are developed in Phase II and III studies as microbicidal candidates for preventing sexual transmission of HIV [100]. However, some of these compounds, as carraguard and cellulose sulfate, have not been approved [101].…”

Poly(ethylene glycol) enclatherated pectin-mucin submicron matrices for intravaginal anti-HIV-1 drug delivery

“…As an alternative to the condoms, contemporary research is being done on microbicides. These are anti-HIV-1 agents that may be applied topically to the vaginal or rectal cavity to prevent HIV-1 transmission (Stone, 2002;Woolfson et al, 2010). A keen interest in using antiretroviral drugs as microbicides has also emerged given their success in treating HIV/AIDS (Klaase et al, 2008).…”