Human immunodeficiency virus 1 ribonucleic acid (HIV-1 RNA)

Human immunodeficiency virus 1 ribonucleic acid (HIV-1 RNA) is the genetic material of the HIV-1 virus, consisting of two identical single-stranded, positive-sense RNA molecules. It serves as the primary template for reverse transcription into double-stranded DNA by the viral enzyme reverse transcriptase, a critical step for the integration of the viral genome into the host cell's DNA. Beyond its role as a genetic template, HIV-1 RNA functions as messenger RNA (mRNA) for the synthesis of viral polyproteins and contains complex secondary structures, such as the Trans-activation response (TAR) element and the Rev response element (RRE), which regulate viral replication and nuclear export. In clinical practice, HIV-1 RNA is the definitive biomarker for monitoring viral load and assessing the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy (ART). While traditional drugs target the proteins encoded by the RNA, such as reverse transcriptase and protease, modern therapeutic strategies are exploring the direct targeting of the RNA itself using antisense oligonucleotides and RNA interference to silence viral gene expression and deplete the latent viral reservoir.

Other names

HIV-1 genomeHIV-1 genomic RNAHIV-1 transcriptvRNA

Inhibition of reverse transcription (RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity), RNA interference (experimental), Antisense inhibition (experimental), and Ribonuclease H-mediated degradation.