Reverse transcriptase inhibitors are a key class of antiretroviral drugs used in the treatment of HIV infection. They target the viral enzyme reverse transcriptase, which is responsible for converting the virus's RNA genome into DNA, a crucial step in the virus's life cycle. By inhibiting this enzyme, reverse transcriptase inhibitors prevent HIV from replicating and spreading in the body. They are often used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs to effectively manage HIV and have significantly improved the prognosis and quality of life for individuals living with the virus.