Mechanism of action of protease inhibitors is:: (A) Prevents maturation of new viral particles, (B) Prevents translation of viral RNA, (C) Causes apoptosis of the affected cells, (D) Inhibits proviral RNA synthesis
Answer is A. Ans. (A) Prevents maturation of new viral particles(Ref: KDT 7/e p809)Function of protease enzyme in HIV is to break inactive polyproteins to functional components. This post-translational modification is required for maturation of new viral particles. Protease inhibitors like atazanavir inhibit this step.