Integrase Strand Transferase (Integrase)

Integrase strand transferase, or integrase, is a viral enzyme essential for the replication of retroviruses such as HIV. Its primary function is to catalyze the integration of viral DNA into the host cell genome, a critical step in establishing permanent infection and enabling subsequent viral gene expression and replication. Drugs known as Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs) block this enzyme by binding its active site after 3'-processing has occurred. INSTIs chelate metal ions required for catalysis and directly compete with target DNA binding, thereby preventing strand transfer and halting HIV replication.

Other names

HIV IntegraseRetroviral IntegrasePolynucleotidyl transferase

Inhibition of integrase enzyme activity by chelating metal ions and blocking the strand transfer step, preventing integration of viral DNA into the host cell genome.