Researchers at George Washington University (GW) published an article that described thee use of Fingolimod, which is typically used to treat MS, to block HIV infection and reduce latent HIV reservoirs. This drug, which was approved by the FDA for MS, would be an alternative to existing antiretroviral drugs on the market which have been shown to cause drug resistance and adverse events in different patient populations. In MS, the drug works as an immunomodulatory compound.
Fingolimod works by inhibiting S1P, a signaling molecule phosphate. It was shown to block cell-free and cell-to-cell transmission of HIV. There was also a noticeable reduction in detectable latent virus.
The researchers also showed how the drug was able to impact multiple stages of the HIV-1 life cycle. They showed that the drug reduced surface density of CD4. This lead to an inhibition of viral binding and fusion. They also showed that the drug will decrease phosphorylation levels of HIV restriction factors.
As Fingolimod is already clinically approved, it would make it easier to push for drug treatment. However, this research was done in human cells, so more research will need to be done on both a mouse model and hopefully later a human model. Mice have a more systemic immune system than human cells, so this would provide a more complete picture of whether or not the drug would work, as well as if the drug would elicit any adverse effects. This study also demonstrates the ability to repurpose drugs in new ways.
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