title: Targeting TNF-Alpha in HIV-1 Infection.
abstract: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has dramatically extended the lifespan and quality of life of individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). HAART comprises of a cocktail of various pharmacological inhibitors which interfere with almost every stages of HIV-1 life cycle. However, constant application of drugs often results in the evolution of hostpathogen relationship resulting in the emergence of drug resistant viral strains. Drug resistant HIV-1 is a potent threat for the humankind. Therefore, there is a constant need to search for novel therapeutic molecules. HIV-1 infection results in the depletion of CD4+/CD8+T cells and alters the cytokine network in the infected individuals. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), a proinflammatory cytokine, plays a critical role in HIV-1 pathogenesis. HIV-1 utilizes the TNF-alpha signaling pathway for expanding its reservoir. Several HIV-1 proteins mimic and regulate the TNF-alpha signaling pathway. TNF-alpha inhibitors have been used in several inflammatory pathologies with success to some extent. In the present mini review we will discuss the role of TNF-alpha in HIV-1 pathogenesis. Furthermore we will evaluate the TNF-alpha inhibitors as an additional therapeutic option for HIV-1 infection.
authors.forename: Amit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Laurie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Coquard
authors.affiliation: Department of Virology, University of Franche-Comte and COMUE Bourgogne Franche-Comte University, CHRU Besancon, Hopital Saint-Jacques, 2 place Saint-Jacques, F-25030 Besancon cedex, France. georges.herbein@univ-fcomte.fr.
authors.forename: Georges
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Herbein
mesh_terms: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000821:virology; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000187:drug effects / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D019899:Paracrine Communication / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha