CEM15 Inhibitors

CEM15 inhibitors, also known as APOBEC3G inhibitors, belong to a specialized class of small molecules that inhibit CEM15 (Cytidine Deaminase APOBEC3G). CEM15 is a member of the APOBEC (Apolipoprotein B mRNA Editing Catalytic Polypeptide-like) family of proteins, which play essential roles in various cellular processes, including innate immunity and genetic diversity. CEM15, in particular, is involved in the innate immune response against retroviruses, such as HIV-1. It functions by catalyzing the deamination of cytosine residues in single-stranded viral DNA, inducing hypermutations that disrupt the viral genome's integrity and inhibit its replication.

CEM15 inhibitors modulate the activity of CEM15. They typically work by binding to specific sites on the enzyme, preventing it from effectively deaminating cytosine residues in the viral DNA. By inhibiting CEM15, these molecules interfere with the host's innate immune defense mechanism, potentially allowing the virus to evade the immune system's surveillance and replicate more efficiently.