Reverse transcriptase (specifically, HIV-1 reverse transcriptase) (RT)

HIV-1 reverse transcriptase is a multifunctional enzyme essential for HIV replication, possessing both RNA-dependent and DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activities, as well as intrinsic ribonuclease H activity. During the HIV life cycle, this enzyme converts viral single-stranded RNA into double-stranded DNA, enabling integration into the host genome and continued viral propagation. Its central function has made it a primary target for antiretroviral drug development; both nucleoside/nucleotide analogs (NRTIs) and non-nucleoside inhibitors (NNRTIs) inhibit reverse transcriptase, forming the backbone of standard HIV treatment regimens. Drug resistance and toxicity remain clinically important challenges for therapies targeting this enzyme.

Other names

HIV-1 reverse transcriptaseHIV reverse transcriptaseRT (abbreviation)

Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors: Incorporated into viral DNA by HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, causing premature DNA chain termination, halting viral replication. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors: Bind non-competitively to reverse transcriptase at an allosteric site, inducing conformational changes that inhibit enzyme function.