Abstract
Pentacyclic triterpenes have been found in many plants and may be isolated from any part of the plant. Triterpene derivatives were shown to have biological activities including anti-HIV-1 and anti-cancer activities. The modes of action of the anti-HIV-1 triterpenes have been reported to be associated with the virus entry, reverse transcription, virus assembly and maturation. This review will focus on the mechanisms of action of anti-HIV triterpenes and the structural features that contribute to their anti-HIV-1 activity and site of action.
Keywords: Molecular Targets, Anti-HIV-1 Triterpenes, protease, reverse transcriptase, Protease Inhibitors, HIV-1 protease, Aesculus chinensis, Viral Maturation Inhibitors
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