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HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase: A Therapeutical Target in the Spotlight

[ Vol. 13 , Issue. 3 ]

Author(s):

H. C. Castro, N. I.V. Loureiro, M. Pujol-Luz, A. M.T. Souza, M. G. Albuquerque, D. O. Santos, L. M. Cabral, I. C. Frugulhetti and C. R. Rodrigues   Pages 313 - 324 ( 12 )

Abstract:


Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 Reverse Transcriptase (HIV-1 RT) is one of the most important targets for treatment of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It catalyzes the reverse transcription of HIV-RNA into a double stranded DNA, and the knowledge of its substrate specificity and catalytic mechanism has guided the development of several inhibitors widely used on current HIV/AIDS therapy. However, mutations in HIV-1 RT structure can lead to the emergence of drug-resistant virus strains. The goal of this review is to summarize relevant structural features of HIV-1 RT and its inhibitors in such a way that this cost-effective target in the development of new antiretroviral drugs is particularly highlighted.

Keywords:

Reverse transcriptase,nucleoside,nucleotide,non-nucleoside,DNA,RNA,antiretroviral,AIDS

Affiliation:

, , , , , , , , Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular, IB, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), OuteiroSao Joao Batista, Niteroi, RJ, 24001-970, Brazil.



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