Human Immunodeficiency Virus Proviral DNA (HIV proviral DNA)

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) proviral DNA refers to the double-stranded DNA form of the HIV genome that is integrated into the host cell’s chromosomal DNA. This integration is a critical step in the retroviral life cycle, establishing a permanent genetic reservoir within infected cells. The provirus serves as a template for transcription of viral RNAs, which are then used to produce new viral proteins and genomes or remain latent within the host genome. Once integrated, HIV proviral DNA can be either actively transcribed to produce new virions or remain latent with minimal expression—contributing to lifelong infection even under antiretroviral therapy. Detection of HIV proviral DNA is used diagnostically when plasma viremia may be undetectable but infection persists at a cellular level. In rare cases, integration near proto-oncogenes can dysregulate their expression. Understanding its biology underpins strategies aimed at eradicating latent reservoirs—a major challenge in curing HIV/AIDS.

Antiretroviral therapies target various stages of the HIV life cycle, including reverse transcription (RT inhibitors) and integration into the host genome (integrase inhibitors), thereby reducing viral load and disease progression. However, these drugs do not eliminate proviral DNA, allowing HIV to persist in latent reservoirs.