HIV-1 p17 Inhibitors

Inhibitors of HIV-1 p17 are predominantly indirect due to the protein's role in HIV-1 replication and assembly. The inhibitors listed target various stages of the HIV-1 life cycle, indirectly impacting the function and processing of p17. For instance, protease inhibitors like Saquinavir, Ritonavir, and Indinavir inhibit the HIV protease enzyme, which is crucial for the maturation of p17. The inhibition of protease leads to the production of immature, non-infectious viral particles, as the proper processing of viral proteins, including p17, is essential for viral maturation and infectivity.

Other inhibitors, such as Bevirimat and PF-46396, target the Gag polyprotein processing, which is a precursor to multiple structural proteins including p17. By interfering with Gag processing, these inhibitors indirectly affect the maturation and functionality of p17. Capsid inhibitors like GS-CA1, although not directly targeting p17, influence the overall assembly and stability of the HIV-1 capsid structure, which indirectly impacts the role of p17 in the virus life cycle