Reverse Transcriptase, Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (RT)

Reverse transcriptase (RT) is a multifunctional enzyme encoded by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). It is essential for viral replication and a primary target for antiretroviral therapy. RT catalyzes the conversion of the single-stranded viral RNA genome into double-stranded DNA, which can then integrate into the host cell genome. RT has two main enzymatic activities: RNA- and DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity, and Ribonuclease H (RNase H) activity. Mutations in RT can confer resistance to antiretroviral drugs.

Other names

HIV-1 Reverse TranscriptaseHIV Reverse TranscriptaseRT

Inhibition of reverse transcriptase activity, either through competitive inhibition (NRTIs) or allosteric inhibition (NNRTIs), preventing the conversion of viral RNA to DNA.