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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship, Activity Prediction, and Molecular Dynamics of Non-nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Published on: May 9, 2025
Dynamics of NRTI resistance mutations during therapy interruption
Maria Trignetti1, Tobias Sing, Valentina Svicher
1Experimental Medicine Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata , 00133, Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Abstract To date, very little information is available regarding the evolution of drug resistance mutations during treatment interruption (TI). Using a survival analysis approach, we investigated the dynamics of mutations associated with resistance to nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) during TI. Analyzing 132 patients having at least two consecutive genotypes, one at last NRTI-containing regimen failure, and at least one during TI, we observed that the NRTI resistance mutations disappear at different rates during TI and are lost independently of each other in the majority of patients. The disappearance of the K65R and M184I/V mutations occurred in the majority of patients, was rapid, and was associated with the reemergence of wild-type virus, thus showing their negative impact on viral fitness. Overall, it seems that the loss of NRTI drug resistance mutations during TI is not an ordered process, and in the majority of patients occurs without specific interaction among mutations.
Insights
Drug resistance mutations in nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are lost at varying rates during treatment interruption (TI). These mutations, like K65R and M184I/V, disappear rapidly and independently, impacting viral fitness.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pharmacology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Limited data exists on the evolution of drug resistance mutations during treatment interruption (TI).
- Understanding mutation dynamics during TI is crucial for managing antiviral therapy and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamics of nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) resistance mutations during TI.
- To determine the rates and patterns of NRTI resistance mutation loss during TI.
Main Methods:
- Survival analysis approach was used.
- Analysis included 132 patients with at least two consecutive genotypes, including one at regimen failure and one during TI.
- Rates of disappearance for individual NRTI resistance mutations were assessed.
Main Results:
- NRTI resistance mutations disappear at different rates during TI and are mostly lost independently.
- K65R and M184I/V mutations were rapidly lost in most patients, associated with wild-type virus reemergence.
- The loss of NRTI resistance mutations during TI is not an ordered process and occurs without significant interaction among mutations in most cases.
Conclusions:
- The loss of NRTI resistance mutations during TI is a complex, non-ordered process.
- Rapid disappearance of K65R and M184I/V suggests a negative impact on viral fitness.
- Findings provide insights into the evolutionary dynamics of drug resistance during TI.
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