HIV Integrase Strand Transfer (None)

Integrase strand transfer refers to a critical step in the life cycle of retroviruses, such as HIV, where the viral enzyme integrase catalyzes the insertion (integration) of viral DNA into the host cell's genome. This process is essential for establishing a permanent infection and enabling viral replication. Drugs known as Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs) block this step by binding to integrase when it is associated with processed viral DNA, competing with target (host) DNA for binding at the active site, thereby preventing strand transfer and halting HIV replication.

Other names

Integrase inhibitorINIINSTI

INSTIs bind near/at catalytic Mg²⁺ ions in integrase-DNA complex after 3' processing; prevent access/binding of host genomic DNA required for strand transfer; specifically block only strand transfer.