Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase (for HIV-1)| Hepatitis B virus polymerase (for HBV) (HIV-1 RT (for HIV-1), HBV polymerase or HBV RT (for HBV))

HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (HIV-1 RT) is a viral-encoded, heterodimeric enzyme responsible for copying the single-stranded RNA genome of HIV-1 into double-stranded DNA through its DNA polymerase and RNase H activities; this DNA is subsequently integrated into the host cell genome, making RT essential for viral replication. HBV polymerase, also known as HBV reverse transcriptase or P protein, is a multifunctional viral enzyme crucial for hepatitis B virus replication, catalyzing both priming of DNA synthesis and reverse transcription of viral pregenomic RNA into DNA. Both enzymes are highly validated therapeutic targets for antiviral therapies, especially nucleoside/nucleotide analogues that terminate polymerization or non-nucleoside inhibitors that allosterically block enzyme activity. Resistance mutations in either enzyme are of significant clinical importance and complicate long-term therapy. Note: For database or structured records, HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and HBV polymerase should be cataloged as two separate, specific targets as per current scientific conventions.

Other names

RTHIV RTHBV reverse transcriptaseP protein

NRTIs: Competitive incorporation into viral DNA, causing chain termination. NNRTIs (for HIV-1): Allosteric inhibition of reverse transcriptase by binding to a hydrophobic pocket near polymerase active site, distorting enzyme and blocking function. RNase H inhibition (under investigation): Specific inhibition of RNase H activity.