Research progress on HIV-1 structural proteins and antiviral therapies

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), including HIV-1 and HIV-2, is a retrovirus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV primarily targets the human immune system, especially CD4 + T lymphocytes, leading to progressive immune system dysfunction and rendering patients susceptible to severe opportunistic infections and malignancies. HIV-1 accounts for the majority of global HIV infections, and most structural, mechanistic, and therapeutic studies have been conducted in HIV-1 systems. The structural proteins Gag, Pol, and Env of HIV-1 play a pivotal role in the viral life cycle, making their functional mechanisms and inhibitor development key to advancing anti-AIDS drug research. This article provides a narrative review of recent advances in antiviral drug development targeting these proteins and discusses future design strategies. It offers critical insights for accelerating next-generation anti-HIV drug development and advancing global AIDS control efforts.