Retrovirus

any virus of the family Retroviridae

Description
Retroviruses are enveloped viruses that pack a positive-strand 5'-capped and polyadenylated mRNA into the virion and encode the enzyme reverse transcriptase in order to convert their RNA into DNA in the cytosol. Following its integration into the host genome by the viral integrase, this DNA is referred to as the provirus, which replicates with the host genome. The DNA is then incorporated into the host's genome by an integrase enzyme. The virus thereafter replicates as part of the host cell's DNA.

Relevance to Hemoglobinopathies
Family members of the Retroviridae have been used successfully in the clinical treatment of blood diseases, and in the preclinical treatment of hemoglobinopathies. The genus Gammaretroviruses, following serious setbacks of leukemia induction and a proven preponderance of affecting endogene expression, has proven successful in the gene therapy of adenosine-deaminase-related severe combined immunodeficiency (ADA-SCID), which drew on a Moloney murine leukemia virus vector to express the functional gene in the hematopoietic progenitor cells of patients. Preclinical evidence suggests that a new generation of gene therapy vectors, based on the Lentivirus genus, will be more efficient and safer in their clinical application and might provide cures for hemoglobin disorders such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.