HIV: Current Research
Open Access

The Role of Proviral DNA in HIV Persistence and Eradication Effort

Neval Yurttutan Uyar^{* *}Correspondence: Neval Yurttutan Uyar, Department of Clinical Retro Virology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey, Email:

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Description

Proviral DNA in HIV refers to the DNA form of the virus that integrates into the host cell's genome after the virus has infected a cell. HIV is a retrovirus, meaning it carries its genetic information in RNA rather than DNA. Upon entering a host cell, it uses its reverse transcriptase enzyme to convert its RNA genome into DNA. The newly synthesized viral DNA, known as proviral DNA, integrates into the DNA of the host cell. This integration is facilitated by another enzyme called integrase. Once integrated, the Proviral DNA remains dormant (latent) within the host cell’s genome. It serves as a template for the production of new viral RNA and proteins, which can lead to the production of new virus particles (virions). The integration of proviral DNA makes HIV infections difficult to eradicate completely. Even with Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART), which targets various stages of the HIV life cycle, proviral DNA can persist in certain cells (like long-lived memory CD4+ T cells), potentially leading to viral rebound if treatment is interrupted. Understanding proviral DNA is essential in developing strategies to target and eliminate HIV reservoirs to achieve a functional cure for HIV/AIDS. Comprehending the life cycle of viruses and their incorporation into host DNA is crucial. Proviral DNA's importance in HIV persistence and treatment difficulties. HIV affects macrophages and CD4+ T cells. RNA from viruses being converted to DNA. The integrase enzyme's function in incorporating proviral DNA into the genome of the host. Comprehensive process of proviral DNA synthesis after HIV infection. Location of integration in the host genome preferences and consequences. elements that affect proviral reactivation and latency. How the various stages of the HIV life cycle are targeted by ART. The identification of proviral DNA-containing cells and their function in the persistence of viruses.

Proviral DNA and their role in viral persistence. It is essential to comprehend the life cycle of viruses and how host DNA is incorporated into them. The role of proviral DNA in HIV treatment resistance and persistence. HIV has an impact on CD4+ T cells and macrophages. Viral RNA being transformed into DNA. The role of the integrase enzyme in integrating proviral DNA into the host's genome thorough procedure of proviral DNA production upon HIV infection. Where integration occurs and its effects on the host genome preferences. components that influence latency and proviral reactivation. How Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) targets different stages of the HIV life cycle. the recognition of cells bearing proviral DNA and their role in the persistence of viruses.

The integration of proviral DNA into host cells complicates HIV treatment strategies, as it contributes to viral rebound if therapy is interrupted and necessitates lifelong adherence to antiretroviral medications. Efforts to develop therapies targeting proviral DNA, such as latency-reversing agents and gene-editing technologies like CRISPR/Cas9, hold promise but face challenges in effectively targeting and eliminating all reservoirs of infection. Future research directions include refining strategies to reactivate and target latent proviral DNA, identifying and characterizing viral reservoirs more comprehensively, and exploring innovative immunotherapeutic approaches. Ultimately, understanding and addressing proviral DNA in HIV are essential steps toward achieving sustained viral remission or a functional cure, improving outcomes for individuals living with HIV/AIDS worldwide.