Reverse transcriptase inhibitors, nucleotidal

Artificial, chemical compounds that interfere with the structure of nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) by inhibiting reverse transcriptase. They directly block the enzyme by attaching themselves, thereby rendering the tool that assembles the genetic information inoperable.

After conversion into a triphosphate, NtRTI act as an inhibitor of reverse transcriptase due to their structural similarity to the physiological substrate deoxyadenosine triphosphate. After incorporation into the DNA, they cause a chain termination, so that the viral genes can no longer be expressed. However, this process does not lead to eradication of the viral genome.

Various nucleotide analogues are approved for the treatment of HIV infection (see tenofovir below), cytomegaly (see cidofovir below) and hepatitis B (see adefovir below).