Protease inhibitors

Definition

Protease inhibitors are a class of antiviral drugs that prevent viral replication by inhibiting the activity of protease, an enzyme used by viruses like HIV to produce infectious particles. They are crucial in the treatment of HIV/AIDS as part of antiretroviral therapy (ART).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Protease inhibitors work by blocking the protease enzyme, which is essential for the maturation of HIV virions.
2. Common protease inhibitors include ritonavir, lopinavir, and atazanavir.
3. These drugs are often used in combination with other antiretrovirals to enhance efficacy and prevent resistance.
4. Protease inhibitors can cause side effects such as gastrointestinal issues, lipid abnormalities, and liver toxicity.
5. Adherence to the prescribed regimen is critical for maintaining drug effectiveness and reducing the risk of developing drug-resistant strains of HIV.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of protease inhibitors in treating HIV?
• Name three common protease inhibitors used in HIV treatment.
• Why is it important to use protease inhibitors in combination with other antiretroviral drugs?

Related terms

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): A treatment regimen commonly used to manage HIV/AIDS involving a combination of multiple antiretroviral medications.

Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors: A class of antiretroviral drugs that inhibit reverse transcriptase, an enzyme crucial for viral replication in HIV.

Integrase Inhibitors: Drugs that block integrase, an enzyme that integrates viral DNA into the host genome, used in HIV treatment.