pseudovirion

A pseudovirion is an incomplete or defective virus particle. Unlike a fully infectious virion, a pseudovirion may lack essential viral components or contain a damaged genome, rendering it unable to replicate on its own. These particles can arise during the viral replication cycle when cellular machinery malfunctions or when there are defects in the viral genome. For example, a pseudovirion might be formed with a host cell's genetic material instead of or in addition to the viral genome, or it might have a truncated viral genome.

Pseudovirions can still encapsidate genetic material and be released from infected cells. While they are not typically infectious in the traditional sense, they can sometimes play roles in the viral life cycle. In some instances, pseudovirions containing host DNA might be involved in horizontal gene transfer between cells. Research into pseudovirions is ongoing, contributing to our understanding of viral assembly, genome packaging, and the complex interactions between viruses and their hosts. They represent a deviation from the standard, infectious viral particle and highlight the intricate processes involved in viral production.