protease inhibitor theory

Protease inhibitors are drugs designed to block an enzyme called protease, which viruses like HIV need to mature and become infectious. By preventing protease from functioning, these medications stop the virus from producing fully formed, infectious particles. This helps control the infection, reduce the amount of virus in the body, and improve immune system function. Protease inhibitors are a key component of antiretroviral therapy for HIV, working alongside other drugs to effectively manage the virus and prevent its progression.