Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), widely used for HIV and hepatitis B, have been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties that may help combat inflammaging and age-related diseases.

While older NRTIs raised concerns about mitochondrial toxicity, newer versions are significantly safer, making them promising candidates for repurposing to treat age-related conditions.

Epidemiological studies indicate that long-term use of NRTIs is linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes, suggesting they may offer protective effects against these age-related illnesses.

Research highlights the potential to develop new drugs that enhance the anti-inflammaging effects of NRTIs while minimizing their side effects.

NRTIs help limit inflammasome activation and inflammation associated with aging by reducing the buildup of immunostimulatory nucleic acids like RNA:DNA hybrids.

NRTIs inhibit the cytoplasmic reverse transcription of endogenous retroelements such as LINEs, SINEs, and HERVs, which become more active with age and contribute to sterile inflammation and disease progression.