Running the gamut of retroviral variation.
The retroviral DNA polymerase, or reverse transcriptase, lacks a 3' exonuclease proofreading activity. This causes a high mutation rate with the result that genetic diversity and drug resistance are increased. Only combination chemotherapy has the potential to out-manoeuvre these viruses. However, there is no evidence that ongoing variation allows escape from immune surveillance, so contributing to pathogenesis.
Wain-Hobson
S
S
Unité de Rétrovirologie Moléculaire, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France. simon@pasteur.fr
D000818:Animals; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006678:HIV / Q000235:genetics; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000821:virology; D015368:Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D012190:Retroviridae / Q000235:genetics*; D012192:Retroviridae Infections / Q000821:virology; D015302:Simian Immunodeficiency Virus / Q000235:genetics