Soluble factors with antiviral activity: searching for new therapeutic targets to HIV-1 infection

Abstract

Antiviral innate mechanisms have a potential use in developing preventive and therapeutic strategies against HIV. Specifically, antiviral soluble factors have been evaluated in multiple investigations, based on their capacity to inhibit different steps of the viral cycle, and to increase the host immune response. Among these factors, TRIM-5α, APOBEC3G, SAMHD1, ELAFIN, SERPINA1 and SLPI are of particular interest, as they can act directly on the viral particle or the cell, or promote the production of molecules related to the viral immune response. Some of these factors have been associated with a low risk of HIV infection or slow progression to AIDS. Evaluation of mechanisms exhibited by antiviral proteins is a requirement for developing new therapeutic alternatives.

Keywords

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Antivirals
• HIV
• Immunity
• Viral Replication
• Viral Proteins