Mechanism of action of protease inhibitors is:
Prevents maturation of new viral particles
Prevents translation of viral RNA
Causes apoptosis of the affected cells
Inhibits proviral RNA synthesis
Ans. (A) Prevents maturation of new viral particles(Ref: KDT 7/e p809)Function of protease enzyme in HIV is to break inactive polyproteins to functional components. This post-translational modification is required for maturation of new viral particles. Protease inhibitors like atazanavir inhibit this step.
Chemotherapy: General Principles