A lentivirus is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA retrovirus belonging to the family Retroviridae, characterized by its ability to integrate its genetic material into the genome of both dividing and non-dividing host cells, enabling long-term gene expression. The most well-known lentivirus is HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), from which most lentiviral vectors are derived. Lentiviruses have a complex genome encoding structural proteins (Gag, Pol, Env) and regulatory elements essential for viral replication, integration, and immune evasion.
