Abstract
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.
Keywords: Antiretroviral drugs, antiretroviral therapy, NRTIs, HIV-1, AIDS, nanomedicine.