nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are a class of medications used to treat HIV. They work by mimicking the building blocks of the virus's genetic material, specifically DNA. When HIV's reverse transcriptase enzyme tries to copy its RNA into DNA, NRTIs are incorporated into the growing DNA chain, but they prevent the chain from lengthening further. This blocks the virus from multiplying and helps reduce the amount of HIV in the body. By targeting this essential step in the viral life cycle, NRTIs help control HIV infection and improve the effectiveness of treatment regimens.