lentivirusesretroviruses

Lentiviruses are a genus of retroviruses that are known for their ability to infect both dividing and non-dividing cells. They are members of the Retroviridae family, which also includes other genera like Alpharetrovirus and Betaretrovirus. Lentiviruses are characterized by their complex genome structure and their ability to integrate their genetic material into the host cell's DNA. This integration allows for long-term infection and potential latency.

Common examples of lentiviruses include the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, and the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV), found in non-human primates. Other lentiviruses infect various animal species, such as the Visna-Maedi virus in sheep and the Equine Infectious Anemia Virus (EIAV) in horses.

The life cycle of a lentivirus involves binding to specific receptors on the host cell surface, followed by entry and reverse transcription of its RNA genome into DNA. This viral DNA then enters the nucleus and integrates into the host genome. The integrated viral DNA, known as a provirus, can then be transcribed and translated to produce new viral particles, which are released from the cell to infect other cells.

Due to their efficient gene delivery capabilities and ability to infect a broad range of cell types, lentiviruses have become valuable tools in biomedical research and gene therapy. Lentiviral vectors are engineered to carry therapeutic genes into target cells, offering potential treatments for genetic disorders and other diseases. However, the inherent pathogenicity of naturally occurring lentiviruses also necessitates careful handling and containment in laboratory settings.