Which among the following anti-HIV drugs is an inhibitor of viral fusion?
## **Core Concept**
The question tests understanding of antiretroviral therapy (ART) mechanisms, specifically those targeting the HIV life cycle. HIV entry into host cells involves several steps, including viral fusion, which can be targeted by specific drugs.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Enfuvirtide (T-20) is an HIV fusion inhibitor. It works by binding to the gp41 subunit of the HIV envelope glycoprotein, preventing the conformational change necessary for fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane. This action effectively blocks HIV from entering the host cell.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Zidovudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), which works by inhibiting the reverse transcription step of the HIV life cycle, not viral fusion.
* **Option B:** Ritonavir is a protease inhibitor, which targets the protease enzyme of HIV, preventing viral maturation, not viral fusion.
* **Option C:** There is no commonly recognized antiretroviral drug by this name provided; however, if we consider common drug classes, drugs like Raltegravir are integrase inhibitors, which target the integration step of the HIV life cycle.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that Enfuvirtide (T-20) is administered via injection and was one of the first HIV drugs to target a step in the viral life cycle other than reverse transcription or protease activity. Its use is often in combination with other antiretroviral drugs.
## **Correct Answer:** D. Enfuvirtide.