Mechanisms and inhibition of HIV integration

HIV integrase (IN) is required for viral replication and a rationale target for antiretroviral therapies. Integrase inhibitors are potentially complementary to current treatments. This review focuses on the mechanisms of HIV integration. The roles of viral and cellular co-factors during preintegration complex (PIC) formation and integration are reviewed. The biochemical mechanisms of integration, integrase structures and approaches to inhibit integration are also described.

Section editors:William Bishai and Eric Nuermberger – John Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA