Entry Inhibitors for HIV Treatment

Entry inhibitors are a class of medications used in the treatment of HIV infections. They prevent the virus from entering human cells by blocking specific receptors.

Entry Inhibitors FAQ

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What are entry inhibitors?

Entry inhibitors are medications that have made HIV management possible. It is important that the appropriate antiretroviral drug (ARV) regimen for HIV treatment is carefully selected, depending on your medical history, other illnesses, prior HIV treatment, stage of infection, and individual preferences.

What are the different types of entry inhibitors?

There are different types of entry inhibitors—fusion inhibitors, receptor blockers (CCR5 antagonists), and post-attachment inhibitors. Some entry inhibitors target the gp120 or gp41 proteins on HIV’s surface. Some entry inhibitors target the CD4 protein or the CCR5 or CXCR4 receptors on a CD4 cell’s surface.

How do HIV entry inhibitors work?

Some entry inhibitors target the gp120 or gp41 proteins on HIV’s surface. Some entry inhibitors target the CD4 protein or the CCR5 or CXCR4 receptors on a CD4 cell’s surface. If entry inhibitors are successful in blocking these proteins, HIV is unable to bind to the surface of CD4 cells and gain entry into the cells.

How do entry inhibitors block HIV?

Entry inhibitors block HIV from entering a host CD4 T lymphocyte (CD4 cell). A group of antiretroviral (ARV) HIV drugs that includes fusion inhibitors, CCR5 antagonists, and post-attachment inhibitors. Entry inhibitors block HIV from entering a host CD4 T lymphocyte (CD4 cell).

What are entry inhibitors used for?

Entry inhibitors, also known as fusion inhibitors, are a class of antiviral drugs that prevent a virus from entering a cell, for example, by blocking a receptor. Entry inhibitors are used to treat conditions such as HIV and hepatitis D . An illustration of HIV entry mechanism and mechanisms of action (MOA) of two entry inhibitor, 5-Helix and C37.

Who will benefit from entry inhibitors?

People with HIV who have become resistant to NRTIs, NNRTIs, and PIs will likely benefit from entry inhibitors because they are a different class of drugs. This is good news for people with HIV who have tried and failed many of the currently approved ARVs.