HIV-1 Nef Inhibitors

HIV-1 Nef inhibitors comprise a class of chemical compounds specifically designed to target the Nef protein of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Nef is a regulatory protein essential for viral replication and pathogenesis, and its inhibition is of interest in antiretroviral research. These inhibitors typically consist of small molecules or peptides that interact with specific regions of Nef, disrupting its interactions with host cell proteins and interfering with its function.

Some inhibitors are found in naturally occurring compounds or synthetic derivatives, while others are peptide sequences designed to mimic critical regions of Nef. By targeting Nef, these compounds aim to impede its role in enhancing viral infectivity, downregulating CD4 receptors, and inducing apoptosis in host cells. The study of HIV-1 Nef inhibitors contributes to understanding the virus-host interactions and the development of new strategies to combat HIV-1 infection.