Human immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase and Hepatitis B virus polymerase (HIV-RT / HBV-Pol)

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reverse transcriptase and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase are essential enzymes for the replication cycles of their respective viruses. HIV reverse transcriptase is an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase that converts the viral single-stranded RNA genome into double-stranded DNA for host genome integration [1]. HBV polymerase is a multi-functional enzyme with reverse transcriptase activity that converts pregenomic RNA into viral DNA within the nucleocapsid [2]. Due to the conserved nature of their catalytic domains, several nucleoside and nucleotide analogues (NRTIs/NtRTIs) are capable of targeting both enzymes simultaneously [3]. These therapeutic agents act as competitive inhibitors and DNA chain terminators, effectively suppressing viral replication and reducing the risk of disease progression to AIDS or chronic liver complications like cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma [4]. Monitoring for drug resistance and potential toxicities, such as renal dysfunction or bone density loss, is critical in long-term management [5].

Other names

HIV-1 reverse transcriptaseHBV DNA polymeraseP proteinRNA-directed DNA polymeraseReverse transcriptase

Competitive inhibition of viral polymerase and reverse transcriptase activity, acting as nucleoside/nucleotide analogues that cause DNA chain termination during viral genome replication.