Question

In terms of how it replicates and makes protein, what are two things that the HIV virus does differently than human cells? What two types of antiviral drugs target these differences?

Answer 1

Answer. HIV virus has RNA as its genetic material while a normal human cell has DNA as its genetic material. In normal human cell, first it shows replication and produces its self copy and after that it makes mRNA which convey information to the ribosomes and makes a complex together with Ribosome, mRNA and tRNA and then finally forms a protein which is sent to the ER and then to the Golgibody for further modifications in the structure.

While in case of HIV virus it first gets bind with the CD4 receptor of the T helper cell and then after binding with the cell it penetrate inside the cell. But virus has RNA and human immune cell has DNA. So in order to incorporate viral genetic material with the DNA of normal human cell, it makes a copy of DNA from its genetic material RNA via the process Reverse Transcription and the enzyme involved in it is called Reverse Transcriptase. After forming a copy of DNA, it moves its DNA into the nucleus where viral DNA incorporates/hides with the normal cell DNA with the help of an enzyme Integrase. Afterthat normal process of transcription and translation are carried out by the cell and new copies of Viral genetic material are made. And finally viral proteins form which are then processed by the viral enzyme protease and are converted into the functional subunits which get assemble together and makes a new viral cell which goes onward to infect the other cell.

Some of the antiviral drugs which acts differently from each other. E.g. (1) Abacavir and Didanosine - These drugs are also called by name Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI) Drugs and works by forcing the HIV virus to use faulty version of the building blocks so more HIV could not be made.

(2) Atazanavir and Darunavir - These drugs are also called Protease Inhibitor Drugs and works by blocking a protein that infected cell need to put together new HIV particles.