19.2-5CC
Question
Looking at Figure 19.9, imagine you are a researcher trying to combat HIV infection. What molecular processes could you attempt to block?
Step-by-Step Solution
VerifiedThere are many steps in the replicative cycle of the HIV virus that can be blocked to prevent its infection. Some of these include:
- Binding of the virus to the host cell
- The function of reverse transcriptase
- Transcription of RNA from provirus
- Assembly of the virus
When the virus attacks the host cell, the glycoproteins of the viral envelope binds to the receptor of white blood cells. The virus then fuses with the host membrane and releases the proteins and RNA genome into the cell.
Reverse transcriptase enzyme synthesizes DNA molecule using viral RNA genome as a template. The DNA synthesized gets integrated into the host cell genome as a provirus.
The proviral genes are then transcribed to produce mRNA molecules. These mRNA molecules are used as an RNA genome for progenies or synthesize viral proteins, including capsid proteins, reverse transcriptase, and envelope glycoproteins.
The proteins and RNA molecules are then assembled to produce new viral progenies that bud off the host cell.
The steps that can be blocked are as follows:
- The first step that can be blocked is bindingthe envelope glycoprotein to the specific receptor present in the white blood cells.
- The second can be blocking the function of reverse transcriptase. Blocking the enzyme would inhibit the synthesis of DNA molecules from the viral RNA genome.
- The third can be blocking the transcription of proviral genes. This would inhibit the synthesis of RNA molecules that forms the viral genome of the progenies.
- The last can be blocking the assembly of the virus. This would inhibit the packaging of replicated viral genomes and proteins from forming new viruses.