provirus

[proh-vahy-ruhs, proh-vahy-]

noun

plural

proviruses 

1. a viral form that is incorporated into the genetic material of a host cell.

provirus

/ ˈprəʊˌvaɪrəs /

noun

1. the inactive form of a virus in a host cell

Word History and Origins

Origin of provirus¹

1945–50; pro- ¹ + virus, on the model of prophage

Example Sentences

HIV infects CD4 white blood cells and weaves a DNA copy of its genes—the provirus—into human chromosomes.

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Viruses insert their genomes into their hosts in the form of a provirus.

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HIV typically splices its provirus into a cell’s genes, which make up only 1% of the human genome.

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“Reservoirs” of infected cells that hold latent provirus are a key reason why powerful combinations of ARVs cannot eliminate infections and cure people.

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Furthermore, each tissue sample also contained genetic material from at least one provirus that could still produce viral proteins.

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