Principles of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) and Classes of Antiretroviral Drugs

Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) represents a cornerstone in HIV treatment, significantly reducing viral replication and improving patient outcomes. HAART integrates multiple drug classes, each targeting specific stages of the HIV lifecycle.

Mechanism of Action of HAART

HAART is designed to suppress HIV replication by targeting key enzymes required for viral propagation:

• Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (RTIs): Block the conversion of viral RNA into DNA.
• Protease Inhibitors (PIs): Inhibit viral maturation by preventing protein cleavage.
• Integrase Inhibitors: Disrupt the integration of viral DNA into the host genome.
• Entry Inhibitors: Prevent viral entry into host cells.

Classes of Antiretroviral Drugs

HAART combines different drug classes for optimal efficacy:

• Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs): Act as faulty building blocks in viral DNA synthesis.
• Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs): Bind and inhibit reverse transcriptase enzymatically.
• Protease Inhibitors (PIs): Block viral polyprotein processing.
• Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs): Hinder viral DNA integration.
• Entry Inhibitors: Include fusion inhibitors and CCR5 antagonists.

Impact of HAART in HIV Management

HAART has significantly reduced HIV-related morbidity and mortality. By maintaining viral suppression, it improves immune function, decreases transmission risk, and enhances patient quality of life.