What is the role of Dolutegravir in HIV treatment?

Dolutegravir is an integrase inhibitor, which means it specifically targets and blocks the integrase enzyme that HIV uses to integrate its viral DNA into the host's cellular DNA. This is a crucial step in the lifecycle of the virus as it allows HIV to replicate within the host's cells. By inhibiting integrase, Dolutegravir effectively reduces the viral load, thereby limiting the progression of HIV in the body. Its use has become a cornerstone in many treatment regimens due to its strong efficacy, favorable resistance profile, and once-daily dosing, making it a highly valued option for managing HIV infection.