Glossary

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macrophage

Derived from the Greek words for “big” and “eat,” macrophages are a type of disease-fighting white blood cell that engulfs and then destroys foreign invaders, like viruses, and calls other immune system cells to action.

mechanism of action

The way in which a drug or product works. In the case of a microbicide, it is the way in which the active ARV component protects healthy cells from HIV infection.

microbicide

A natural or man-made substance that kills microbes, most often bacteria or viruses. Researchers are developing microbicides to reduce the transmission of HIV during sexual intercourse.