Rapid-Release Griffithsin Fibers for Dual Prevention of HSV-2 and HIV-1 Infections
Kevin M. Tyo, Amanda B. Lasnik, Longyun Zhang, A. Bennett Jenson, Joshua L. Fuqua, Kenneth E. Palmer, Jill M. Steinbach-Rankins
Abstract
The biologic griffithsin (GRFT) has recently emerged as a candidate to safely prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). However, to date, there are few delivery platforms that are available to effectively deliver biologics to the female reproductive tract (FRT). The goal of this work was to evaluate rapid-release polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) fibers that incorporate GRFT in in vitro (HIV-1 and HSV-2) and in vivo (HSV-2) infection models.
Topics & Concepts
PolyvinylpyrrolidoneHerpes simplex virusIn vivoHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)VirologyHSL and HSVMedicineVirusMicrobiologyImmunologyBiologyChemistryBiotechnologyOrganic chemistryHerpesvirus Infections and TreatmentsVirus-based gene therapy researchReproductive System and Pregnancy