A retrovirus is a type of virus that uses RNA as its genetic material. Unlike most viruses, which use DNA as their genetic material, retroviruses have a unique replication process. When a retrovirus infects a cell, it uses an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to convert its RNA genetic material into DNA. This newly-made DNA is then integrated into the host cell's genome. Once integrated, the cell's own machinery is tricked into using the retroviral DNA as if it were its own genetic material. This allows the retrovirus to replicate and spread to other cells. This process is what distinguishes retroviruses from other types of viruses. Many retroviruses are associated with diseases in humans, including HIV, which causes AIDS, and HTLV-1, which can lead to adult T-cell leukemia. Retroviruses have also been used in gene therapy due to their ability to integrate into the host genome, offering a potential method for delivering therapeutic genes into cells.
This entry was provided by the doctoral students of the GetRADI collaborative network. GetRADI is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.