What does the abbreviation "NNRTIs" stand for?

NNRTIs stands for Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors. This class of antiviral medications is primarily used in the treatment of HIV. NNRTIs function by binding to the reverse transcriptase enzyme, inhibiting its activity, and thus preventing the conversion of viral RNA into DNA, which is a critical step in the HIV replication cycle.

The term "non-nucleoside" indicates that these inhibitors are not structurally related to nucleosides, unlike nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which mimic the building blocks of DNA. This distinction is crucial as it reflects their mechanism of action and their role within the broader category of antiretroviral therapy. Understanding this classification helps professionals recognize the therapeutic options available for HIV treatment and how they may differ in their mechanisms and potential side effects.