Structure
Indinavir is an antiviral compound that acts as a protease inhibiter. Figure 2 below depicts Indinavir’s structure. The drug has a molecular weight of 711.875 g/mol and is very soluble in water and ethanol. Indinavir works by specifically binding to the HIV-1 protease active site by mimicking a target substrate protein and essentially becoming “stuck” in the enzyme active site, disabling the enzyme. The Arginine in the protease interacts with Indinavir’s pyridine to hold it in place. The hydroxyl groups off the cyclopentanes, ketone and amide interact with the Asp25 of HIV-1 protease to perform catabolism (1).
Function
Mechanism
Indinavir acts with the Asp25, Thr26 and Gly27 subunits in the HIV-1 protease enzyme.[1]
Cellular Effects
