Maraviroc

Definition

Maraviroc is an antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV infection by blocking the CCR5 co-receptor on the surface of certain immune cells. By preventing HIV from entering these cells, maraviroc helps to reduce the viral load in patients and improve their immune response. This drug represents a unique approach to HIV treatment, focusing on inhibiting the virus's ability to enter target cells.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Maraviroc is specifically indicated for patients with CCR5-tropic HIV-1, meaning it is effective only in those whose virus uses the CCR5 co-receptor to enter cells.
2. As an entry inhibitor, maraviroc disrupts the initial step of HIV infection, making it a key part of combination therapies for managing HIV.
3. Maraviroc was approved by the FDA in 2007 and is typically taken in conjunction with other antiretroviral drugs for maximum efficacy.
4. Common side effects of maraviroc include cough, fever, rash, and abdominal pain, but it may also lead to more serious liver issues or cardiovascular events in some patients.
5. Resistance to maraviroc can develop if HIV mutates to use alternative co-receptors like CXCR4 instead of CCR5, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring in treatment.

Review Questions

• How does maraviroc's mechanism of action differ from other classes of antiretroviral drugs?
  • Maraviroc works by blocking the CCR5 co-receptor, preventing HIV from entering immune cells, whereas many other antiretroviral drugs focus on inhibiting viral enzymes or blocking viral replication. This unique mechanism positions maraviroc as an entry inhibitor, making it distinct from reverse transcriptase inhibitors and protease inhibitors, which target different stages in the viral life cycle.
• Evaluate the significance of using maraviroc in conjunction with other antiretroviral medications for treating HIV.
  • Using maraviroc alongside other antiretroviral medications is crucial for effective HIV treatment as it addresses multiple points in the viral life cycle. This combination therapy reduces the likelihood of resistance developing and enhances overall viral suppression. By targeting different mechanisms of action, clinicians can optimize patient outcomes and better manage viral loads over time.
• Assess the potential implications of maraviroc resistance in the management of HIV treatment regimens.
  • Resistance to maraviroc poses significant challenges in managing HIV treatment because it can limit therapeutic options for patients who have developed mutations allowing the virus to use alternative entry pathways. This resistance highlights the importance of genetic testing for CCR5 tropism before initiating treatment. Additionally, it underscores the necessity for ongoing monitoring and adaptability in treatment regimens to maintain viral suppression and avoid treatment failure.

Related terms

HIV:

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a virus that attacks the immune system and can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

CCR5: A co-receptor on the surface of certain immune cells that HIV uses to enter and infect those cells.

antiretroviral therapy: A treatment regimen that uses medications to suppress the replication of retroviruses, such as HIV.