The second chance story of HIV-1 DNA: Unintegrated? Not a problem!

Retrovirology. 2008 Jul 9:5:61. doi: 10.1186/1742-4690-5-61.

Abstract

Accumulation of high levels of unintegrated viral DNA is a common feature of retroviral infection. It was recently discovered that coinfection of cells with integrated and unintegrated HIV-1 can result in complementation, allowing viral replication in the absence of integration. This new mode of HIV-1 replication has numerous implications for the function of unintegrated viral DNA and its application as a therapeutic vector.

MeSH terms

  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • DNA, Viral / metabolism*
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • HIV Integrase / genetics
  • HIV-1 / enzymology
  • HIV-1 / genetics*
  • HIV-1 / metabolism
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus Proteins / genetics
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Time Factors
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Virion / metabolism
  • Virus Integration / physiology*
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus Proteins
  • HIV Integrase