Broadening the use of antiretroviral therapy: the case for feline leukemia virus

roadening the use of antiretroviral therapy: the case for feline leukemia virus Expert Opinion (2992) Total Article Views Authors: Willie M Greggs III, Christine L Clouser, Steven E Patterson, et al Published Date March 2011 Volume 2011:7 Pages 115 - 122 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/TCRM.S17731 Willie M Greggs III1,3, Christine L Clouser1,2, Steven E Patterson1,4, Louis M Mansky1,2,3,4,5 1Institute for Molecular Virology, 2Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, School of Dentistry, 3Comparative Molecular Biosciences Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, 4Center for Drug Design, Academic Health Center, 5Department of Microbiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, MN, USA Abstract: Antiretroviral drugs have saved and extended the lives of millions of individuals infected with HIV. The major classes of anti-HIV drugs include reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, integrase inhibitors, and entry/fusion inhibitors. While antiretroviral drug regimens are not commonly used to treat other types of retroviral infections, there are instances where there is a perceived need for re-evaluation of the benefits of antiretroviral therapy. One case in point is that of feline leukemia virus (FeLV), an infection of companion felines. While vaccines exist to prevent FeLV infection and spread, they have not eliminated FeLV infection. For FeLV-infected felines and their human companions, antiretroviral therapy would be desirable and of practical importance if good options were available. Here, we discuss FeLV biology and current treatment options, and propose that there is a need for antiretroviral treatment options for FeLV infection. The comparative use and analysis of antiretroviral therapy can provide new insights into the mechanism of antiretroviral drug action.