Resistance to non-nucleoside inhibitors of HIV-I reverse transcriptase

Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTls) are a structurally diverse group of compounds which function as inhibitors of HIV-I replicati on in vitro and in vivo. Viral resistance is mediated through alterations i n the amino acids which form the allosteric site on the HIV-I reverse trans criptase to which NNRTIs bind. The rapid emergence of resistant viruses has limited the utility of NNRTI monotherapy; however, recent clinical studies have shown that potent NNRTIs can contribute to profound suppression of HI V replication when used in combination therapy. An understanding of the dev elopment of resistance to NNRTIs is critical to the effective use of this c lass of antiretroviral agents.