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Updated: Feb 18, 2026

Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship, Activity Prediction, and Molecular Dynamics of Non-nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Published on: May 9, 2025
Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors: A Thorough Review, Present Status and Future Perspective as HIV
Ashley D Holec1, Subhra Mandal2, Pavan Kumar Prathipati2
1Creighton University Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Omaha, NE, United States.
Background:
Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a severe viral infection that has claimed approximately 658,507 lives in the US between the years 2010-2014. Antiretroviral (ARV) therapy has proven to inhibit HIV-1, but unlike other viral illness, not cure the infection.
Objective:
Among various Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved ARVs, nucleoside/ nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are most effective in limiting HIV-1 infection. This review focuses on NRTIs mechanism of action and metabolism.
Methods:
A search of PubMed (1982-2016) was performed to capture relevant articles regarding NRTI pharmacology.
Results:
The current classical NRTIs pharmacology for HIV-1 prevention and treatment are presented. Finally, various novel strategies are proposed to improve the efficacy of NRTIs, which will increase therapeutic efficiency of present-day HIV-1 prevention/treatment regimen.
Conclusion:
Use of NRTIs will continue to be critical for successful treatment and prevention of HIV-1.
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