Multi-Step Inhibition against HIV Lifecycle-Underlying the “Magicâ€? of Protease Inhibitors

HIV protease inhibitors exhibit an exceptional antiviral efficacy and high genetic barrier for the development of resistance among anti-HIV drugs. This profile makes protease inhibitors key molecules for the treatment of HIV infection for both initial antiretroviral regimens and rescue therapies. The molecular mechanisms that might explain these unique features have been recently published in a fascinating study (Rabi, et al. J Clin Invest. 2013;123:3848-60.) evaluating the contribution of protease inhibitors to block each relevant step of the HIV lifecycle including entry, reverse transcription, and post-reverse transcription events.