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Retrovirus

A retrovirus is a virus which has a genome consisting of RNA. It relies on
reverse transcriptase to perform a kind of reverse transcription of its
genome from RNA into DNA for insertion by integrase into the host's genome.
The virus itself is just a storage form for its RNA; the reverse
transcription takes place in the host's cytosol. A retrovirus' genome
integrated into the host's genome is called a provirus.

The retrovirus genome contains at least three genes:

   * gag codes for core and structural proteins of the virus.
   * pol codes for reverse transcriptase.
   * env codes for the virus hull proteins.

There are three known retrovirus categories :

   * Oncovirinae cause sarcomas and leukaemias (e.g., Rous Sarcoma Virus).
     They contain an onc gene which makes them oncogenic.
   * Lentivirinae cause slow progressive degenerative disorders (e.g., HIV).
   * Spumavirinae with unknown effects.

All four identified human retroviruses (HTLV 1&2, HIV 1&2) attack CD4 cells.

Another feature common to all retrovirises is a lipid envelope surrounding
their capsid. It is essential for their function. This explains why
retroviruses can be killed by just washing hands.

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