Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase–viral DNA intasome (HIV-1 IN intasome) (HIV-1 IN intasome)

The Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) integrase–viral DNA intasome is a specialized nucleoprotein complex that plays a critical role in the viral life cycle by facilitating the integration of viral genetic material into the host cell genome (Passos et al., 2017, Science). This complex is composed of a multimeric assembly of the viral integrase (IN) enzyme—typically a tetramer or higher-order oligomer—bound to the ends of the blunt-ended viral DNA (vDNA) produced during reverse transcription (Engelman & Cherepanov, 2012, Nature Reviews Microbiology). The intasome's primary function is to catalyze the strand transfer reaction, where it inserts the viral DNA into the host's chromosomal DNA, a step that is essential for establishing a productive and permanent infection (Craigie & Bushman, 2012, Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine). Because integration is a unique and vital step for HIV-1, the intasome serves as the primary pharmacological target for Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs), which are a cornerstone of modern antiretroviral therapy (Hare et al., 2010, Nature). These drugs, including dolutegravir and bictegravir, bind specifically to the metal-ion-containing active site of the intasome, effectively blocking the attachment of host DNA and halting viral replication (Anstett et al., 2017, Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS).

Other names

HIV-1 intasomeIntegrase-DNA complexHIV-1 IN-vDNA complexPre-integration complex core

Integrase strand transfer inhibition (INSTI), which prevents the covalent insertion of viral DNA into the host cell genome by binding to the intasome active site.