Chemotherapeutic approaches to human immunodeficiency virus infections.

Since the discovery of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as the causative agent of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), various attempts have been made to control this fatal disorder. In the replicative cycle of HIV, several steps have been identified as attractive targets for antiviral chemotherapy. Sulfated polysaccharides can block the virion binding to the CD4 receptor. 2',3'-Dideoxynucleosides including 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT) act as potent inhibitors of reverse transcriptase after intracellular phosphorylation. Only AZT and 2',3'-dideoxyinosine are available so far for the treatment of AIDS and AIDS-related complex. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors of HIV-1 and viral protease inhibitors are the new classes of compounds that are now extensively studied. These compounds may add a new dimension to the prospects of anti-AIDS chemotherapy.