Protease inhibitors

Protease inhibitors are a class of antiviral drugs that are commonly used to treat HIV and hepatitis C. Protease inhibitors prevent viral replication by selectively binding to viral proteases (the enzymes that cleave viral proteins) and blocking proteolytic cleavage of protein precursors that are necessary for the production of infectious viral particles.

Mechanism of action

Protease inhibitors act by inhibiting the activity of proteases, enzymes that cleave proteins. Viruses, such as HIV and hepatitis C, rely on proteases to cleave large protein molecules into smaller proteins. These smaller proteins are then used to assemble new viral particles. By inhibiting the activity of these proteases, protease inhibitors prevent the virus from replicating.

Use in HIV treatment

Protease inhibitors are a key component of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV. They are typically used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs to suppress the HIV virus and stop the progression of HIV disease. Examples of protease inhibitors used in HIV treatment include ritonavir, lopinavir, and darunavir.

Use in hepatitis C treatment

Protease inhibitors are also used in the treatment of hepatitis C. They are typically used in combination with other antiviral drugs to cure hepatitis C infection. Examples of protease inhibitors used in hepatitis C treatment include boceprevir, telaprevir, and simeprevir.

Side effects

Like all drugs, protease inhibitors can have side effects. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and changes in body shape or fat distribution. Some protease inhibitors can also interact with other drugs, leading to increased or decreased levels of these drugs in the body.

See also

• Antiviral drug
• HIV
• Hepatitis C
• Antiretroviral therapy
• Ritonavir
• Lopinavir
• Darunavir
• Boceprevir
• Telaprevir
• Simeprevir