How would an HIV microbicide work?
• Killing or de-activating pathogens. A microbicide could inhibit HIV infection by breaking down the surface of the virus or pathogen. • Create physical barriers. Gels or creams could provide a physical barrier between pathogens or viruses and vulnerable cells in the epithelium (cell wall) of the vagina or rectum. • Strengthening the body’s normal defenses. The body has several naturally occurring defense mechanisms that a microbicide might be able to supplement or enhance. For example, lactobacillus is a naturally occurring, “good” bacteria that helps protect the vagina by maintaining its acidic environment. This natural acidity helps foster an inhospitable environment for many pathogens, including HIV. A microbicide that supports the lactobacilli in performing this function might inhibit infection by HIV or STDs. • Inhibiting viral entry. A microbicide could inhibit viral or bacterial infection by interfering with the binding of viral proteins to cellular receptors. For example, infe
