During viral pathogenesis, many viruses exploit host cell machinery to replicate their genome. Which of the following enzymes is MOST essential for retroviruses like HIV to integrate their genetic material into the host DNA?

Mon, 04 May 2026 02:48:21 +0000

**Understanding How Retroviruses Like HIV Hijack Host Cells: The Key Enzyme in Viral Integration** During viral pathogenesis, many viruses exploit host cell machinery to replicate their genetic material. For retroviruses such as HIV, a critical step in this process is the integration of viral genetic material into the host’s DNA—a mechanism unique to this viral family. This integration enables the virus to hijack the cell’s replication machinery and produce new infectious particles. As research continues to uncover new insights into viral mechanisms, the specific enzyme responsible for this integration has become a focal point in scientific and clinical discussions. Understanding why the enzyme responsible for this step is gaining serious attention today reflects broader interest in HIV treatment, prevention, and the development of next-generation therapies. As part of the intricate viral life cycle, integrating HIV’s genome into the host DNA ensures long-term persistence and poses major challenges for eradication. This has led researchers, clinicians, and public health experts to closely study the enzymes involved—opening the door to more effective interventions. The enzyme central to this process is integrase. It facilitates the insertion of viral DNA into the host’s chromosomes, a precise and essential step for effective replication. Without integrase, HIV cannot stably integrate into human cells, halting viral progression. Its role has placed it at the forefront of virology research, particularly as scientists explore ways to block this enzyme to stop infection at a fundamental level.