Nucleic acid inhibitor

Nucleic acid inhibitors are a class of antiviral drugs that interfere with the function of nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA. These inhibitors are used in the treatment of various viral infections and cancers.

Mechanism of Action

Nucleic acid inhibitors work by disrupting the replication process of viruses. They do this by binding to the viral enzymes responsible for the synthesis of nucleic acids, thereby preventing the virus from replicating and spreading. Some nucleic acid inhibitors, such as acyclovir, work by being incorporated into the viral DNA during replication, causing premature termination of the DNA chain.

Types of Nucleic Acid Inhibitors

There are several types of nucleic acid inhibitors, including:

• Nucleoside analogues: These are molecules that resemble the building blocks of DNA and RNA. When these analogues are incorporated into the growing DNA or RNA chain during replication, they cause premature termination of the chain.

• Non-nucleoside inhibitors: These inhibitors bind to the viral enzymes responsible for nucleic acid synthesis, but they do not resemble the building blocks of DNA or RNA.

• Integrase inhibitors: These inhibitors prevent the integration of viral DNA into the host cell's genome, a crucial step in the replication of some viruses.

Uses

Nucleic acid inhibitors are used in the treatment of a variety of viral infections, including HIV, hepatitis B and C, and herpes simplex virus. They are also used in the treatment of some cancers, as they can inhibit the replication of cancer cells.

Side Effects

Like all drugs, nucleic acid inhibitors can have side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. In some cases, they can also cause more serious side effects, such as liver damage or anemia.

See Also

• Antiviral drug
• Chemotherapy
• Viral replication