Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Polymerase Polyprotein (HIV-1 Pol)

The Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) polymerase polyprotein, commonly referred to as HIV-1 Pol, is a large precursor protein encoded by the pol gene of HIV-1. It is one of three major polyproteins produced by the virus (the others being Gag and Env) and plays a central role in viral replication and maturation. After translation, it is proteolytically cleaved by the viral protease into three key enzymes: Protease (PR), Reverse Transcriptase (RT), and Integrase (IN). These enzymes are responsible for cleaving viral precursor proteins, synthesizing DNA from the RNA genome, and integrating viral DNA into the host genome, respectively. The coordinated action of these enzymes enables HIV replication through several stages: assembly, maturation, and integration into host cells. All three enzyme products—PR, RT, IN—are major targets for antiretroviral drugs used in current HIV therapy regimens.

Other names

HIV-1 Polymerase polyproteinHIV-1 PolPol polyprotein

Inhibition of protease, reverse transcriptase, or integrase activity, preventing viral replication and maturation.