<prompt> Mechanism of action of protease inhibitors is:Prevents maturation of new viral particlesPrevents translation of viral RNACauses apoptosis of the affected cellsInhibits proviral RNA synthesis  <response>: Ans. A Prevents maturation of new viral particlesRef: KDT 7e p809Function of protease enzyme in HIV is to break inactive polyproteins to functional components. This post-translational modification is required for maturation of new viral particles. Protease inhibitors like atazanavir inhibit this step. 