Integrase inhibitors

Definition

Integrase inhibitors are antiviral drugs that block the action of integrase, an enzyme used by retroviruses to insert their genetic material into the host cell's DNA. They are primarily used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Integrase inhibitors prevent the viral DNA from integrating into the host genome, which is essential for viral replication.
2. Common integrase inhibitors include raltegravir, elvitegravir, and dolutegravir.
3. These drugs are often part of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) to improve efficacy and reduce resistance development.
4. Integrase inhibitors have been shown to have fewer side effects compared to other classes of antiretroviral drugs.
5. Resistance to integrase inhibitors can develop through mutations in the integrase gene of the virus.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of integrase inhibitors?
• Name three commonly used integrase inhibitors.
• How do integrase inhibitors contribute to combination antiretroviral therapy?

Related terms

reverse transcriptase inhibitors:

Antiviral drugs that inhibit the reverse transcriptase enzyme, crucial for converting viral RNA into DNA.

protease inhibitors:

Drugs that inhibit the protease enzyme, preventing viral protein processing necessary for HIV maturation.

antiretroviral therapy (ART):

Treatment regimen using multiple antiretroviral medications to manage HIV infection.