Reverse transcriptase inhibition: a way to defeat HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) induces disease in humans that is known as AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). First AIDS cases were registered in 1981, and later, types of HIV infection, such as HIV-1 and HIV-2 were identified. HIV belongs to class of retroviruses, known as ‘lenti-viruses’ and ‘slow’ viruses. A literature assessment was conducted through several reliable national and international journals as well as books and monographs, to investigate reverse transcriptase inhibitor (RI) from human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Reverse transcriptase inhibitor limits the reverse transcriptase activity, which is considered the key enzyme of retroviral multiplication process, and eventually prevents infection and progression of retroviruses. In the current paper, more than twenty-five drugs were presented, which are used for management/treatment of AIDS. The aim of the present review was to summarize the latest update on reverse transcriptase inhibition. Lately, significant advancement has been observed on the growth of HIV-drugs targeting reverse transcriptase enzyme. There is a continuous increase in various compounds with anti-HIV activity and isolated from natural sources. The present review provided a selection of publications concerning the topic. Salient features of reverse transcriptase inhibitors (both NRTIs and NNRTI's) and possibility for development of new chemical entity were presented.