title: Cyclin-dependent kinases as therapeutic targets for HIV-1 infection.
abstract: A number of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) mediate key steps in the HIV-1 replication cycle and therefore have potential to serve as therapeutic targets for HIV-1 infection, especially in HIV-1 cure strategies. Current HIV-1 cure strategies involve the development of small molecules that are able to activate HIV-1 from latent infection, thereby allowing the immune system to recognize and clear infected cells. Areas covered: The role of seven CDK family members in the HIV-1 replication cycle is reviewed, with a focus on CDK9, as the mechanism whereby the viral Tat protein utilizes CDK9 to enhance viral replication is known in considerable detail. Expert opinion: Given the essential roles of CDKs in cellular proliferation and gene expression, small molecules that inhibit CDKs are unlikely to be feasible therapeutics for HIV-1 infection. However, small molecules that activate CDK9 and other select CDKs such as CDK11 have potential to reactivate latent HIV-1 and contribute to a functional cure of infection.
authors: a Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX USA.
authors: Andrew P
authors: AP
authors: Rice
mesh_terms: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D042863:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9 / Q000378:metabolism; D018844:Cyclin-Dependent Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D015696:Gene Products, tat / Q000378:metabolism; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000821:virology; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000201:enzymology; D006801:Humans; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D015696:Gene Products, tat; D042863:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9; D018844:Cyclin-Dependent Kinases
keywords: CDK; CDK11; CDK9; Cyclin T1; HIV; HIV cure; P-TEFb; latency; latency reversing agents; shock and kill