Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...

Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors

Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors

Antiviral Nucleoside InhibitorsAntiviral nucleoside inhibitors are structural analogs of natural nucleosides that interfere with viral DNA or RNA synthesis. These compounds selectively target viral polymerases due to their resemblance to host nucleosides, thereby disrupting viral genome replication.Mechanism of Acyclovir ActionAcyclovir is a guanosine analog with a three-carbon acyclic side chain. It selectively targets herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2),...

Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly

Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly

As part of their replication cycle, certain viruses synthesize long precursor proteins called polyproteins within infected host cells. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), two major polyproteins are produced: Gag and Gag-Pol. The Gag polyprotein supplies the structural components of the virus, while Gag-Pol includes essential viral enzymes such as reverse transcriptase, integrase, and protease. After synthesis, these polyproteins move to the host cell membrane, where they assemble into an...

Retroviruses

Retroviruses

Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...

Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis

Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Overcoming structural barriers to tuberculosis treatment in Africa through digital technologies.

The Lancet. Microbe·2026

Same author

Calcium Intake and Bone Mineral Density in People With HIV and/or Chronic Hepatitis C.

Open forum infectious diseases·2025

Same author

Operational considerations of select new treatment recommendations for drug-susceptible and drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Journal of clinical tuberculosis and other mycobacterial diseases·2025

Same author

The 4-Month Isoniazid, Rifapentine, Moxifloxacin, and Pyrazinamide Treatment Regimen for Drug-Susceptible Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Word of Caution.

American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine·2025

Same author

Blasto-ing through the chest wall: Empyema necessitans due to pulmonary blastomycosis.

IDCases·2025

Same author

Contemporary management of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.

Journal of clinical tuberculosis and other mycobacterial diseases·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship, Activity Prediction, and Molecular Dynamics of Non-nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors

Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship, Activity Prediction, and Molecular Dynamics of Non-nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors

Published on: May 9, 2025

Antiretroviral drugs.

David Warnke¹, Jason Barreto, Zelalem Temesgen

¹Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Division of Infectious Diseases, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.

Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

|December 1, 2007

Summary

The landscape of HIV treatment has evolved significantly since 1987, with 22 antiretroviral drugs now approved across four classes. This review details their mechanisms, effects, and current treatment guidelines.

Area of Science:

Pharmacology
Infectious Diseases
Drug Development

Background:

The initial HIV treatment in 1987 involved only one drug, zidovudine.
Until December 1995, only five nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors were available in the US.
Significant advancements have led to the development of new drug classes and agents.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the characteristics of currently approved antiretroviral drug classes.
To provide an overview of antiretroviral drug mechanisms, pharmacologic properties, adverse effects, and interactions.
To present a synopsis of current antiretroviral treatment guidelines.

Main Methods:

Literature review of antiretroviral drugs and treatment guidelines.
Categorization of 22 FDA-approved antiretroviral agents into four classes.

More Related Videos

Rapid Screening of HIV Reverse Transcriptase and Integrase Inhibitors

Rapid Screening of HIV Reverse Transcriptase and Integrase Inhibitors

Published on: April 9, 2014

An Affordable HIV-1 Drug Resistance Monitoring Method for Resource Limited Settings

An Affordable HIV-1 Drug Resistance Monitoring Method for Resource Limited Settings

Published on: March 30, 2014

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship, Activity Prediction, and Molecular Dynamics of Non-nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors

Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship, Activity Prediction, and Molecular Dynamics of Non-nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors

Published on: May 9, 2025

Rapid Screening of HIV Reverse Transcriptase and Integrase Inhibitors

Rapid Screening of HIV Reverse Transcriptase and Integrase Inhibitors

Published on: April 9, 2014

An Affordable HIV-1 Drug Resistance Monitoring Method for Resource Limited Settings

An Affordable HIV-1 Drug Resistance Monitoring Method for Resource Limited Settings

Published on: March 30, 2014

Analysis of drug characteristics including mechanism of action and adverse effects.

Main Results:

Currently, 22 antiretroviral agents are FDA-approved, spanning four drug classes.
The four classes include nucleoside/nucleotide analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors, nonnucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, and fusion inhibitors.
Detailed information on each class's properties, side effects, and interactions is presented.

Conclusions:

The evolution of antiretroviral therapy offers a wider range of treatment options for HIV.
Understanding drug classes, mechanisms, and interactions is crucial for effective HIV management.
Current treatment guidelines provide a framework for optimizing patient outcomes with available antiretroviral agents.