Entry inhibitors

Entry inhibitors are a class of antiretroviral drugs used in the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. They work by blocking the virus from entering the host's immune cells, thus preventing the virus from replicating and spreading throughout the body.

Mechanism of Action

Entry inhibitors work by blocking the virus from entering the host's immune cells. This is achieved by binding to the proteins on the surface of the virus or the host cell, preventing the virus from attaching and entering the cell. There are three main types of entry inhibitors: CCR5 antagonists, fusion inhibitors, and post-attachment inhibitors.

CCR5 Antagonists

CCR5 antagonists work by blocking the CCR5 co-receptor on the surface of the host's immune cells. This prevents the virus from attaching to the cell and entering it. An example of a CCR5 antagonist is Maraviroc.

Fusion Inhibitors

Fusion inhibitors prevent the virus from fusing with the host cell's membrane, thus preventing the virus from entering the cell. An example of a fusion inhibitor is Enfuvirtide.

Post-Attachment Inhibitors

Post-attachment inhibitors work by blocking the virus after it has attached to the host cell, but before it has entered the cell. An example of a post-attachment inhibitor is Ibalizumab.

Clinical Use

Entry inhibitors are used in the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. They are often used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs to increase their effectiveness. Entry inhibitors can be used in patients who have developed resistance to other antiretroviral drugs.

Side Effects

Like all antiretroviral drugs, entry inhibitors can have side effects. These can include nausea, diarrhea, rash, and fatigue. In rare cases, they can cause serious side effects such as liver damage or allergic reactions.

See Also

• Antiretroviral therapy
• HIV/AIDS
• Virus