Lethal mutagenesis of HIV.
HIV-1 and other retroviruses exhibit mutation rates that are 1,000,000-fold greater than their host organisms. Error-prone viral replication may place retroviruses and other RNA viruses near the threshold of "error catastrophe" or extinction due to an intolerable load of deleterious mutations. Strategies designed to drive viruses to error catastrophe have been applied to HIV-1 and a number of RNA viruses. Here, we review the concept of extinguishing HIV infection by "lethal mutagenesis" and consider the utility of this new approach in combination with conventional antiretroviral strategies.
Smith
Robert A
RA
Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 18195, USA. smithra@u.washington.edu
Loeb
Lawrence A
LA
Preston
Bradley D
BD
D000071480:APOBEC-3G Deaminase; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D003564:Cytidine Deaminase; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009153:Mutagens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009154:Mutation; D009700:Nucleoside Deaminases; D009705:Nucleosides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D012097:Repressor Proteins; D014779:Virus Replication
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D009153:Mutagens; D009705:Nucleosides; D011506:Proteins; D012097:Repressor Proteins; D009700:Nucleoside Deaminases; D000071480:APOBEC-3G Deaminase; C464924:APOBEC3G protein, human; D003564:Cytidine Deaminase