Coinfection alters the playing field: herpesviruses induce acyclovir to inhibit HIV

Cell Host Microbe. 2008 Sep 11;4(3):194-5. doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2008.08.006.

Abstract

The antiherpes drug acyclovir was found to inhibit HIV following its phosphorylation by human herpesviruses, providing a hypothesis to explain the observed beneficial effects of acyclovir therapy on HIV viral load and HIV disease progression. This report underscores the importance of studying HIV in the context of microbial copathogens.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir / metabolism
  • Acyclovir / pharmacology*
  • Anti-HIV Agents / metabolism
  • Anti-HIV Agents / pharmacology*
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV-1 / drug effects*
  • Herpes Simplex / complications
  • Herpes Simplex / virology*
  • Herpesvirus 2, Human / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Phosphorylation
  • Prodrugs / metabolism
  • Prodrugs / pharmacokinetics

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Prodrugs
  • Acyclovir