Integrase strand transfer enzyme (None)

The integrase strand transfer enzyme, commonly referred to as "integrase," is a viral enzyme found in HIV and other retroviruses. Its primary function is to catalyze the integration of viral DNA into the host cell genome, a critical step in the retroviral life cycle. This process enables the virus to establish persistent infection by making the host cell a permanent carrier of viral genetic material. Drugs known as Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs) specifically block its activity during strand transfer and are now frontline components in HIV treatment regimens due to their efficacy and high barrier against resistance development compared with earlier drug classes.

Other names

IntegraseINHIV-1 integraseRetroviral integrase

Inhibition of integrase-mediated strand transfer