Dolutegravir an integrase strand transfer inhibitor drug used for treatment of HIV-1 is noted to significantly increase viral suppression in patient who previously were not suppressed. Patient with high viral load suddenly become virally suppressed following weeks of administration of this medication. what then is the mechanism of action of this drug?
It is an integrase inhibitor. The primary role of this enzyme is to integrate viral nucleic acid into host (here, human) DNA. It is well established that activity of viral integrase (required for most retroviruses) is key for establishment of successful and persistent infection in a host. Logically, Dolutegravir inhibits the replication of HIV thereby arrest further infection of bystander cells.
the inhibition of replication prevent the infection of bystander cell and thus new cells produce are devoid of viral antigens. thanks , this is very helpful
@ Narayanan Kalyanaraman
It is notice that viral suppression is attained in most patients within four weeks of treatment with Dolutegravir drug regimen..
Does it mean that the number of bystander cell produce within this period of treatment outweighs the number of cells in circulation prior before the administration of the drug regimen?
If this is true, is there a constituent in this drug that enhances the stimulation of immune cell production invivo?
Narayanan Kalyanaraman Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu
Dear Ransom Jacob,
Certainly no. The ingredients of a drug (almost all) is designed with only one objective. Generally, drugs are not developed to improve or enhance immune or any cell production directly.
Hence, Dolutegravir also does not directly involved in the number of bystander cells. I think it is due to our own immune system. If you pick any good immunology book you can see the associated facts
Article Clinical effectiveness of dolutegravir in the treatment of HIV/AIDS
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