Reverse transcriptase (RT) is a multifunctional enzyme in the human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV)-1 life cycle and represents a primary target for drug discovery efforts
against HIV-1 infection. Two classes of RT inhibitors, the nucleoside RT inhibitors
(NRTIs) and the nonnucleoside transcriptase inhibitors are prominently used in the
highly active antiretroviral therapy in combination with other anti-HIV drugs.
However, the rapid emergence of drug-resistant viral strains has limited the
successful rate of the anti-HIV agents. Computational methods are a significant part
of the drug design process and indispensable to study drug resistance. In this
review, recent advances in computer-aided drug design for the rational design of new
compounds against HIV-1 RT using methods such as molecular docking, molecular
dynamics, free energy calculations, quantitative structure-activity relationships,
pharmacophore modelling and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and
toxicity prediction are discussed. Successful applications of these methodologies are
also highlighted.