Antiretrovirals

Antiretrovirals, a crucial component in the fight against HIV/AIDS, are a class of medications specifically designed to inhibit the replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) within the human body. These drugs play a pivotal role in managing and treating HIV infection, helping to control the progression of the disease. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) typically involves a combination of different antiretroviral medications, known as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). These drugs target various stages of the HIV life cycle, such as entry into human cells, reverse transcription of viral RNA into DNA, integration of viral DNA into the host cell genome, and the assembly and release of new viral particles. By interfering with these processes, antiretrovirals effectively suppress viral replication, allowing the immune system to recover and function more efficiently. While antiretrovirals are not a cure for HIV/AIDS, they have significantly transformed the landscape of HIV treatment, turning it from a life-threatening condition to a manageable chronic illness. The success of antiretroviral therapy has led to increased life expectancy and improved quality of life for people living with HIV.

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