UNDERSTANDING ANTIVIRALS: HIV Life Cycle

UNDERSTANDING ANTIVIRALS: HIV Life Cycle

Being Alive; November 1992
Mark Katz, MD and reported by Jim Stoecker

When the virus enters the T-cell, it sheds its coating. It is then able, through the process known as reverse transcription, to copy itself into DNA. Once the virus has copied its genetic material, the new DNA can integrate itself into the nucleus of the host T-cell.

Inside the nucleus through the presence of certain gene proteins, HIV is able to make new virus. The viral progeny are then packaged and released from the cell. Now there is additional HIV to invade other T-cells and begin the process anew.

It is important to note that the HIV life cycle occurs over a period of time. It may go on steadily over months or years. Or the process may shut down for a while and then start up again at a later time. Studies have shown, however, that within only an hour of HIV infection, some T-cells already have the HIV genetic material inside the nucleus.

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