Current ARTs, Virologic Failure, and Implications for AIDS Management: A Systematic Review.

Antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) have revolutionized the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, significantly improved patient outcomes, and reduced the mortality rate and incidence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, despite the remarkable efficacy of ART, virologic failure remains a challenge in the long-term management of HIV-infected individuals. Virologic failure refers to the persistent detectable viral load in patients receiving ART, indicating an incomplete suppression of HIV replication.

Biomedical applications of biodegradable polycaprolactone-functionalized magnetic iron oxides nanoparticles and their polymer nanocomposites.

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have gained significant attention among several nanoscale materials during the last decade due to their unique properties. These properties make them successful nanofillers for drug delivery and a number of new biomedical applications. MNPs are more useful when combined with biodegradable polymers.

Next-Generation Vaccines: Nanovaccines in the Fight against SARS-CoV-2 Virus and beyond SARS-CoV-2.

The virus responsible for the coronavirus viral pandemic is the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants caused by distinctive mutations within the viral spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 are considered the cause for the rapid spread of the disease and make it challenging to treat SARS-CoV-2. The manufacturing of appropriate efficient vaccines and therapeutics is the only option to combat this pandemic.

Potential of as a Capping Agent for Antiviral Nanoparticles against SARS-CoV-2.

A rare type of pneumonia later on referred to as COVID-19 was reported in China in December 2019. Investigations revealed that this disease is caused by a coronavirus previously identified as SARS-CoV-2, and since then, it has become a global pandemic with new strains emerging rapidly as a result of genetic mutations. Various therapeutic options are being explored in order to eradicate this pandemic even though approved vaccine candidates are being currently rolled out globally.

Seroprevalence and characterisation of herpes simplex virus from human immunodeficiency virus in samples collected from two provinces in South Africa: a retrospective study.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a widely distributed human pathogen that is known for its ulcerative lesions at the infection site. HSV can cause persistent infection in the host that is often followed by a period of latency within the neurons. Considering the high rate of HIV infection in South Africa, it is important to assess the seroprevalence of HSV with a focus to determine the epidemiological association between HSV-DNA and HIV-1 in the population.

Progress and Perspectives on HIV-1 microbicide development.

The majority of HIV-1 infections occur via sexual intercourse. Women are the most affected by the epidemic, particularly in developing countries, due to their socio-economic dependence on men and the fact that they are often victims of gender based sexual violence. Despite significant efforts that resulted in the reduction of infection rates in some countries, there is still need for effective prevention methods against the virus.

UCLA1 aptamer inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtype C primary isolates in macrophages and selection of resistance.

We have previously shown that the aptamer, UCLA1, is able to inhibit HIV-1 replication in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by binding to residues in gp120. In this study we examined whether UCLA1 was effective against HIV-1 subtype C isolates in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). Of 4 macrophage-tropic isolates tested, 3 were inhibited by UCLA1 in the low nanomolar range (IC<29 nM).

UCLA1, a synthetic derivative of a gp120 RNA aptamer, inhibits entry of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtype C.

Entry of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) into cells is mediated by the virion surface envelope (Env) glycoproteins, making it a desirable target for antiretroviral entry inhibitors. We previously isolated a family of gp120 binding RNA aptamers and showed that they neutralized the infectivity of HIV-1. In this study, we assessed the activity of a shortened synthetic derivative of the B40 aptamer, called UCLA1, against a large panel of HIV-1 subtype C viruses.