Biochem: Retroviruses, Hiv, Protease Inhibitors And Therapy

Front 1

Retrovirus

Back 1

1.) any of a group of viruses that contain 2 single-strand linear RNA molecules
2.) carries its genetic blueprint in the form of RNA instead of DNA
3.) contain viral RNA and several copies of RTase
4.) copies its genome into the DNA of the host cell's chromosomes
5.) permanent incorporation
6.) can remain latent for long periods of time

Front 2

Reverse Transcriptase (RTase)

Back 2

RNA dependent DNA polymerase

Front 3

How does a retrovirus infect a cell?

Back 3

1.) RTase is used to make viral DNA from viral RNA
2.) cDNA strand is inserted into host chromosome
3.) Host-cell RNA polymerase makes virus-related RNA
4.) Translated into viral proteins that are used to make the virus envelope
5.) Assembly, budding and release

Front 4

HAART

Back 4

often the first treatment for HIV patients
HIV copy # stays the same

Front 5

Protease Inhibitors (how do they work?)

Back 5

Prevent T-cells that have been infected with HIV from producing new copies of virus
Protease cuts up the genetic material that must be cut up and put together correctly to form new copies of virus and inhibitor prevents this from happening
Important to take as prescribed (so that replication will NOT occur!)

Front 6

how do integrase inhibitors work?

Back 6

block integration into HAART cells
can halt further spread of virus
great for combination or salvage therapy (last form of therapy)
only one integrase available (if immunity is developed, can be dangerous)

Front 7

HIV

Back 7

virus that leads to aids
belongs to a subset of retroviruses called lentiviruses
HIV infects the CD4+ T-cells and begins to replicate rapidly
disables the body's immune system
treatment is necessary to avoid death

Front 8

Treatment Course of HIV

Back 8

1.) highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)
2.) protease inhibitor based therapy
3.) two RTase inhibitors + protease inhibitor
4.) extremely regimented to see benefit