HIV-1 provirus

The HIV-1 provirus can remain in the cell
without being transribed for a long period
(latent infection). Another phase of the HIV-1
life cycle involves transcription of viral DNA
(provirus) into viral RNA. The full-length RNA
transcripts are spliced and transported to the
cytoplasm. Here the viral RNA is translated into
viral proteins by cellular enzymes; the viral proteins
and RNA are then processed and assembled
into new virus particles (virus production).
These leave the cell as free infectious virions.
Usually the cell dies by lysis, but not always.
In this case low-level chronic virus production
may persist in infected individuals.