Lentiviruses

Lentiviruses are a type of virus known for their ability to integrate into the DNA of host cells, leading to long-term infections. The most well-known lentivirus is HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), which causes AIDS. Lentiviruses are unique because they can infect non-dividing cells and are slow to replicate, hence "lenti," meaning slow in Latin. Researchers study lentiviruses for their potential in gene therapy, where they can deliver therapeutic genes to treat various diseases. Understanding lentiviruses is crucial for developing treatments and vaccines for viral infections and other medical conditions.