A new study conducted by researchers from Emory University in the U.S. and McGill University in Canada found that acyclovir, a drug commonly used to treat herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), also helps treat HIV. Acyclovir has been used for decades to treat oral and genital herpes, but it was just recently found to have an effect on HIV.
How Acyclovir Treats Herpes and HIV
Acyclovir works through a process called phosphorylation. In this process, herpes infected tissues containing phosphorus activate the acyclovir, changing it into acyclovir triphosphate. This new activated drug is extremely effectives at suppressing the herpes virus. In a new study, it was discovered that this same process keeps HIV-1 from reproducing.
The new research has also shown that acyclovir is only effective at suppressing HIV in tissue that is co-infected with herpes, though it does not have to be HSV-2. This is good news since there are many forms of the herpes virus, some of which are present in the majority of the population.
Understanding this process may help researchers develop new, more effective treatments for HIV. Researchers are looking for a way to make acyclovir active without the need for the herpes virus. If they are successful, this new drug could be used to treat those infected with HIV, but not with the herpes virus. This research has not been tested in people with HIV-2.
About Herpes and HIV Co-Infection
In the United States, it is estimated that 50 million adults are infected with genital herpes, and more than 500,000 new cases occur each year. This makes genital herpes the most prevalent viral sexually transmitted infection in the country. Both herpes simplex-1 and herpes simplex-2 are forms of genital herpes, with more than 90% of genital herpes cases caused by simplex-2.
For individuals with herpes, an outbreak can make them more susceptible to HIV. During a genital herpes outbreak, CD-4 cells are found at the base of the sores. These cells are attacked by HIV in order to gain entry to the body. When the cells are exposed, such as during a herpes outbreak, it is easier for HIV to fight its way into the body.
It is also easier for people with HIV to become infected with genital herpes. Since HIV weakens the body’s immune system, it makes it easier for them to become infected with other viruses, such as genital herpes. In addition, HIV can cause outbreaks to be more frequent and severe since the immune system is not able to fighting off the infection.
Resources:
Lisco et al., Acyclovir Is Activated into a HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor in Herpesvirus-Infected Human Tissues, Cell Host & Microbe (2008), doi:10.1016/j.chom.2008.07.008.
