Name one class of antivirals specifically used for the treatment of HIV.

Protease inhibitors are a specific class of antiviral medications used in the treatment of HIV. They work by inhibiting the protease enzyme, which is essential for the HIV virus to mature and replicate within the host cell. By blocking this enzyme, protease inhibitors prevent the virus from producing infectious viral particles, thereby helping to control the viral load in HIV-infected patients.

This class of drugs has been instrumental in the development of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), a standard treatment regimen for managing HIV. The use of protease inhibitors can lead to significant improvements in immune function and overall health in individuals living with HIV.

Nucleoside analogs also serve a role in HIV treatment but function differently, as they mimic the building blocks of DNA and interfere with reverse transcription. Proton pump inhibitors are not antiviral agents; they are used primarily to reduce stomach acid and treat conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease. Antifungals are medications that target fungal infections and are unrelated to HIV treatment.