Page 73 - 78 glossary of hivaids-related terms_opt

Integrase
An HIV protein that plays an important role in the virus’s life cycle.
Integrase inserts HIV’s genetic information into the infected cell’s
own DNA.
See Also: Integration

Integrase Inhibitor
A class of anti-HIV drugs that prevents the HIV integrase protein from
inserting HIV’s genetic information into an infected cell’s own DNA.
See Also: Integrase

Integration
The process by which HIV integrase inserts HIV’s genetic material I
into an infected cell’s own DNA. This crucial step in HIV’s life cycle is
targeted by the class of anti-HIV drugs called integrase inhibitors.
See Also: Integrase
Integrase Inhibitor

Intensification
Adding additional anti-HIV drugs to an existing treatment
regimen, usually because that regimen failed to adequately
control HIV replication.

Interaction
See: Drug Interaction

Interferon (IFN)
A cytokine (protein that regulates immune system activity) that the
body produces to fight viruses. Laboratory-made versions of IFN
are used in the treatment of some viral infections and cancers.
There are three main types of interferon: alpha, beta, and gamma.
IFN alpha is used to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and many
cancers, including Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS).
See Also: Cytokine
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS)

HIV/AIDS Glossary 71