Lentivirus

Lentivirus is a genus of retroviruses that cause chronic and often deadly diseases characterized by long incubation periods, in the human and other mammalian species. The best known lentivirus is the HIV, which causes AIDS.

Characteristics

Lentiviruses are known for their long incubation periods. This genus of viruses can deliver a significant amount of viral RNA into the DNA of the host cell and have the unique ability among retroviruses of being able to infect non-dividing cells, so they are one of the most efficient methods of a gene delivery vector. HIV, SIV, and FIV are all examples of lentiviruses.

History

The term "lentivirus" actually comes from the Latin word lenti-, which means "slow", referring to the long incubation period associated with these types of viruses. Lentiviruses were first identified in the 1970s in studies conducted on sheep and goats.

Lentiviruses in Research

Lentiviruses have been one of the most important tools in gene therapy research. They are often used as vectors in gene therapy, to introduce new genes into cells. The ability of these viruses to infect non-dividing cells and integrate into the host genome makes them efficient gene delivery vehicles.

See Also

• Retrovirus
• HIV
• AIDS
• Gene therapy

References

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