"Lentivirus Structure and Life Cycle – A Molecular Overview" #sciencefather#researchawards #Lentivirus #Retrovirus #GeneTherapy #CRISPR #GeneticEngineering #BiomedicalResearch #VirusVector

Lentivirus 

Lentivirus is a genus of the Retroviridae family, characterized by its ability to integrate its genetic material into the host genome. Lentiviruses are enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses that utilize reverse transcriptase to convert RNA into DNA, allowing stable integration into the host cell's genome. This property makes them powerful tools in gene therapy, vaccine development, and biomedical research.

Lentivirus Structural Components

  1. Lipid Envelope – A bilayer derived from the host cell membrane, embedded with viral glycoproteins for cell entry.
  2. Glycoproteins (Env Protein - gp120/gp41) – Facilitate viral attachment and fusion with the host cell membrane.
  3. Capsid (p24 Protein) – A cone-shaped protein shell protecting the viral RNA genome.
  4. RNA Genome (Two Copies of ssRNA) – Encodes essential viral proteins, including gag, pol, and env genes.
  5. Reverse Transcriptase (RT Enzyme) – Converts viral RNA into complementary DNA (cDNA) after infection.
  6. Integrase (IN Enzyme) – Facilitates the integration of viral cDNA into the host genome.
  7. Matrix Protein (p17) – Provides structural support inside the envelope.
  8. Protease (PR Enzyme) – Cleaves viral polyproteins during virus maturation.
  9. Host-Derived tRNA – Acts as a primer for reverse transcription.
  10. Viral Accessory Proteins (Vif, Vpr, Vpu, and Nef) – Modulate host immune responses and enhance viral replication.

Lentiviral Life Cycle Overview

  1. Attachment & Entry – Glycoproteins bind to host cell receptors (e.g., CD4 & CCR5 in HIV), triggering membrane fusion.
  2. Reverse Transcription – Viral RNA is converted into cDNA inside the host cell.
  3. Nuclear Import & Integration – cDNA enters the nucleus and integrates into the host genome via integrase.
  4. Transcription & Translation – The host cell machinery produces viral proteins and genomic RNA.
  5. Assembly & Budding – New viral particles are formed and released, acquiring the lipid envelope.
  6. Maturation – Protease processes viral proteins, making the virus infectious.

Key Features of Lentivirus

  1. Slow replication cycle – Unlike other retroviruses, lentiviruses have a longer incubation period.
  2. Broad host range – They can infect both dividing and non-dividing cells, unlike traditional retroviruses that only target actively dividing cells.
  3. Stable gene integration – The viral genome integrates into the host’s DNA, ensuring long-term gene expression.
  4. Derived from HIV – Many laboratory-engineered lentiviral vectors are derived from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) but modified to remove pathogenic components.
  5. High transduction efficiency – Lentiviral vectors are commonly used for efficient delivery of genetic material in both in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Applications of Lentivirus in Biotechnology

  • Gene Therapy – Used to correct genetic disorders by delivering functional genes into patient cells.
  • CAR-T Cell Therapy – Lentiviral vectors help modify T cells for cancer immunotherapy.
  • CRISPR Delivery – Efficiently delivers Cas9 and gRNA into target cells for genome editing.
  • RNA Interference (RNAi) – Used for stable knockdown of target genes.
  • Stem Cell Engineering – Facilitates long-term expression of therapeutic genes in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
  • Vaccine Development – Used to develop viral vector vaccines, including experimental vaccines for HIV, Zika, and COVID-19.





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#sciencefather#researchawards#Scientist#Scholar#Researcher #Lentivirus #Retrovirus #GeneTherapy #CRISPR #GeneticEngineering #BiomedicalResearch #VirusVector #TCellTherapy #StemCellResearch #HIVVector #RNAi #Biotechnology #MolecularBiology #CellTherapy #ExosomeDelivery #SyntheticBiology #GeneEditing #ViralVectors #CancerResearch #Biopharma #InfectiousDiseases #VaccineDevelopment #Transduction #LabResearch #BiotechInnovation

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