HIV Integrase (IN)

HIV integrase is a 32 kDa viral enzyme essential for the replication of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It catalyzes the integration of viral DNA into the host cell genome, a critical step in the HIV life cycle that enables persistent infection and viral propagation. Integrase consists of three domains: an N-terminal domain (NTD) with a zinc-binding motif, a catalytic core domain (CCD) containing the DDE motif, and a C-terminal domain (CTD) involved in DNA binding. The integration process involves binding to viral DNA, 3'-processing, strand transfer into host DNA, and gap repair. As a key enzyme unique to retroviruses, integrase is a primary target for antiretroviral drug development. Inhibitors block proviral establishment without affecting normal cellular processes.

Other names

IntegraseHIV-1 Integrasep32 integrase

Integrase inhibitors block the strand transfer step of HIV DNA integration into the host cell genome, preventing the formation of proviral DNA and subsequent viral replication.