What kind of receptor does Maraviroc (Selzentry) target?

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Maraviroc (Selzentry) is an antiretroviral medication that specifically targets the CCR5 receptor. This receptor is a type of co-receptor present on the surface of immune cells that HIV uses to enter and infect those cells. By binding to CCR5, Maraviroc blocks HIV from attaching to and entering the cells, thus preventing the virus from replicating and spreading within the body.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different receptors involved in the immune response but do not serve as a target for Maraviroc's mechanism of action. CXCR4, for instance, is another co-receptor that some strains of HIV use, but Maraviroc is specific to CCR5. CD4 is a primary receptor for HIV binding, playing a different role in the infection process, while CD8 is associated with cytotoxic T cells that help to mediate the immune response against viruses. Hence, the specificity of Maraviroc's action on the CCR5 receptor is what informs its use as a treatment for certain patients with HIV.

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