Enfuvirtide (T-20): a novel human immunodeficiency virus type 1 fusion inhibitor

Clin Infect Dis. 2003 Oct 15;37(8):1102-6. doi: 10.1086/378302. Epub 2003 Sep 10.

Abstract

The development of highly active antiretroviral therapy has improved life expectancy and reduced progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. However, resistance to currently available classes of antiretroviral drugs has become a problem, limiting the options for patients with advanced disease who have been heavily treated. Enfuvirtide (T-20; ENF), a synthetic peptide, is the first of a new class of antiretrovirals that block entry of virus into host cells. ENF interferes with conformational changes required for membrane fusion and injection of virus into the host cell. Optimal treatment of HIV infection will likely require combinations of drugs that target novel stages of HIV type 1 entry and replication.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Drug Resistance, Viral
  • Enfuvirtide
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp41 / adverse effects
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp41 / therapeutic use*
  • HIV Fusion Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • HIV Fusion Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Peptide Fragments / adverse effects
  • Peptide Fragments / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp41
  • HIV Fusion Inhibitors
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Enfuvirtide