Development of peptide and small-molecule HIV-1 fusion inhibitors that target gp41.
It has been 25 years since the development of the first efficient HIV-1/AIDS treatment. Scientists now know more about the HIV-1 infection life cycle, and more than 30 antiretroviral drugs have been developed, including HIV-1 fusion inhibitors. Fundamental work was begun in the early 1990s and led to the development of a novel class of anti-HIV-1 drugs, culminating in a peptide known as T20, which is currently the only HIV-1 fusion inhibitor approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. However, more work needs to be done to perfect the development of peptide and small-molecule HIV fusion inhibitors, particularly those that target gp41. Herein we present a brief overview of the development of this class of anti-HIV-1 drug by focusing on the achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. We cite hallmark studies of the past and comment on future drug development.
Cai
Lifeng
L
Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100850, China. caileefeng@gmail.com
Jiang
Shibo
S
D015195:Drug Design; D015700:HIV Envelope Protein gp41 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D023581:HIV Fusion Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*
D015700:HIV Envelope Protein gp41; D023581:HIV Fusion Inhibitors; D010455:Peptides