Commentary - (2024) Volume 10, Issue 4
HIV and Other Retroviruses: Mechanisms of Infection and Treatment
Sakura Sato*
Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Harvard, Japan
*Correspondence:
Sakura Sato,
Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Harvard,
Japan,
Email:
Received: 02-Dec-2024, Manuscript No. IPJHRV-25-22485 ;
Editor assigned: 04-Dec-2024, Pre QC No. IPJHRV-25-22485 (PQ);
Reviewed: 18-Dec-2024, QC No. IPJHRV-25-22485 ;
Revised: 23-Dec-2024, Manuscript No. IPJHRV-25-22485 (R);
Published:
30-Dec-2024, DOI: 10.21767/21767-9676.10.4.34
Introduction
Retroviruses belong to the Retroviridae family. Over 38 million
people globally are living with HIV. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
helps control the virus and prevents transmission. This property
allows them to establish persistent infections and, in some
cases, cause diseases such as cancer or immunodeficiency
syndromes. Among the retroviruses, the most well-known
is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), responsible
for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). However,
retroviruses are not limited to humans and infect a variety of
animals as well, making them an important subject in virology
and medical research. Facilitates the integration of viral
DNA into the host genome. Cleaves viral precursor proteins,
allowing for the maturation of new viral particles. Prevention
methods include condom use, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
(PrEP), and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). HTLV-1 and
HTLV-2 are deltaretroviruses that can cause HTLV is mainly
transmitted through blood transfusions, sexual contact, and
from mother to child via breastfeeding. Some retroviruses,
such as Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and murine leukemia
viruses, are associated with oncogenesis. These viruses insert
oncogenes into the host genome, triggering uncontrolled
cell growth and leading to cancer. Retroviruses have played
a crucial role in advancing molecular biology and genetics.
Reverse transcriptase, a hallmark enzyme of retroviruses, has
been instrumental in the development of Polymerase Chain
Reaction (PCR) and gene therapy techniques.
Description
Applications in Biotechnology gene Therapy retroviral vectors
are used to deliver therapeutic genes for treating genetic
disorders like Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID).
mRNA Vaccine Development research on retroviruses has
contributed to advances in vaccine technology, including
COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Ongoing research aims to deepen
our understanding of retroviruses and improve treatment
strategies. HIV Cure Research scientists are exploring CRISPR
gene editing, immune-based therapies, and latency-reversing
agents to eliminate HIV from infected individuals. Each of
these genera is associated with different host species and
pathologies. The Lentivirus genus, in particular, is known for its
ability to cause chronic and progressive diseases in humans and
animals. Several vaccine candidates are in clinical trials. Broad-
Spectrum Antiretroviral Drugs new drug formulations aim to
improve treatment adherence and reduce drug resistance.
Engineered retroviruses are being tested for their ability
to selectively target and kill cancer cells. HIV is a lentivirus
that targets the immune system, specifically CD4+ T cells.
Without treatment, HIV progresses to AIDS, leading to severe
immunodeficiency and increased susceptibility to opportunistic
infections. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) effectively suppresses
viral replication.
Conclusion
The study of retroviruses not only helps in combating viral
diseases but also contributes to groundbreaking discoveries in
genetics and medicine. Continued research and innovation hold
promise for new therapeutic and preventive strategies in the
fight against retroviral infections. Retroviruses are fascinating
and complex pathogens with significant implications for human
health. Antigen/Antibody Tests Detect both HIV antigens and
antibodies. While HIV remains the most impactful retrovirus,
research into viral mechanisms and treatment options
continues to advance. The ongoing study of retroviruses not
only improves our understanding of viral diseases but also
contributes to broader scientific advancements in immunology,
gene therapy, and virology.
Acknowledgement
None.
Conflict Of Interest
The author declares there is no conflict of interest.
Citation: Sato S (2024) HIV and Other Retroviruses: Mechanisms of Infection and Treatment. J HIV Retrovirus. 10:34.
Copyright: © 2024 Sato S. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
