**2. Reverse transcriptase**

RT is the replicative enzyme of HIV and other retroviruses. RT copies the single-stranded viral genomic RNA into double-stranded DNA (**Figure 1**), which is subsequently integrated into host cell DNA.

Reverse transcriptase (RT) is a key enzyme which plays an essential and multifunctional role in the replication of the human immunodeficiency virus type- 1 (HIV-1) and thus constitutes an attractive target for the development of new drugs useful in AIDS therapy [3].

Reverse Transcriptase is a major target for anti HIV drug development along with two classes of inhibitors, the nucleoside or nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors and non nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) have been approved by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Reverse Transcription (RT) is formation of double stranded DNA from single stranded RNA genome which is an essential step in life cycle of HIV-1 replication. This is one is very important and complex step required for both DNA polymerase and ribonuclease active sites of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase [4, 5].

#### **Figure 1.**

*Reverse transcriptase copies the single-stranded viral genomic RNA into double-stranded DNA (reverse transcription).*

*Substituted Azoles as Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors Activity DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.110758*
