Protease inhibitors, reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and integrase inhibitors are vital in combating viral infections like HIV by targeting specific viral enzymes and processes.
Protease inhibitors are crucial anti-viral agents used to prevent the maturation of viral proteins. They are essential in inhibiting the spread of HIV in the body and are also employed in treating various viral infections such as hepatitis C. Protease inhibitors like ritonavir block the processing of viral proteins, thereby hindering viral maturation.
Reverse transcriptase inhibitors act by impeding the conversion of viral RNA into DNA. This class includes competitive nucleoside analog inhibitors like AZT and non-nucleoside noncompetitive inhibitors such as etravirine. These inhibitors block reverse transcriptase activity, preventing the formation of a DNA copy of the viral genome.
Integrase inhibitors like raltegravir target the HIV integrase enzyme, responsible for integrating the viral DNA into the host cell chromosome. By blocking this activity, the inhibitors thwart the formation of a provirus and further viral replication.
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