A platform for designing HIV integrase inhibitors. Part 2: a two-metal binding model as a potential mechanism of HIV integrase inhibitors.

We propose a two-metal binding model as a potential mechanism of chelating inhibitors against HIV integrase (HIV IN) represented by 2-hydroxy-3-heteroaryl acrylic acids (HHAAs). Potential inhibitors would bind to two metal ions in the active site of HIV IN to prevent human DNA from undergoing the integration reaction. Correlation of the results of metal (Mg(2+) and Mn(2+)) titration studies with HIV IN inhibition for a series of active and inactive compounds provides support for the model. Results suggest Mg(2+) is an essential cofactor for chelating inhibitors.