HIV-1 reverse transcriptase complex with DNA and nevirapine reveals non-nucleoside inhibition mechanism.
Das, K., Martinez, S.E., Bauman, J.D., Arnold, E.(2012) Nat Struct Mol Biol 19: 253-259
- PubMed: 22266819 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nsmb.2223
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
3V4I, 3V6D, 3V81 - PubMed Abstract: 
Combinations of nucleoside and non-nucleoside inhibitors (NNRTIs) of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) are widely used in anti-AIDS therapies. Five NNRTIs, including nevirapine, are clinical drugs; however, the molecular mechanism of inhibition by NNRTIs is not clear. We determined the crystal structures of RT-DNA-nevirapine, RT-DNA, and RT-DNA-AZT-triphosphate complexes at 2.85-, 2.70- and 2.80-Å resolution, respectively. The RT-DNA complex in the crystal could bind nevirapine or AZT-triphosphate but not both. Binding of nevirapine led to opening of the NNRTI-binding pocket. The pocket formation caused shifting of the 3' end of the DNA primer by ~5.5 Å away from its polymerase active site position. Nucleic acid interactions with fingers and palm subdomains were reduced, the dNTP-binding pocket was distorted and the thumb opened up. The structures elucidate complementary roles of nucleoside and non-nucleoside inhibitors in inhibiting RT.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.