Current scenario on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (2018-present)

This review provides the recent developments (2018-present) in non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and the structure–activity relationships are also discussed to facilitate further rational design of more effective candidates. [Display omitted] Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) mainly caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 (HIV-1) is a deadliest infectious disease, in which the immune system becomes ineffective and opportunistic infections accompany the disease. Reverse transcriptase (RT) is the target for the majority of anti-HIV-1 agents, and HIV RT inhibitors can be categorized into nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). In view of the structural diversity, unique mode of action, high efficacy and low toxicity of NNRTIs in comparison to NRTIs, NNRTIs represent one of the most significant antiretroviral drugs against HIV infections. The purpose of the present review article is to discuss the recent developments (2018-present) in NNRTIs, and the structure–activity relationships (SARs) are also discussed to facilitate further rational design of more effective candidates.